Expansion of core station to better protect public safety by increasing responsiveness

Released: October 25, 2012 at 10:04 a.m.
Larger building and tower to accommodate specialty equipment, enhanced EMS service and integrated training

WINNIPEG, MB - To better protect public safety by increasing responsiveness, the Public Service is recommending the expansion of Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Station 11, a core station on Portage Avenue in the city's west end.

The proposed expansion will enable the new Station 11 to accommodate Fire Paramedic Service specialty equipment (including Haz-mat), significantly reducing response times by as much as four minutes for these high risk calls. Haz-mat response is currently conducted from two separate locations - one in St. Boniface and one in the Maples. Over 70 per cent of Haz-mat calls occur in the western portion of Winnipeg.

An aerial ladder is required at Station 11 due to the volume of high-rise buildings in the area. By moving the aerial ladder from Station 20 at 525 Banting Drive to the new Station 11, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service can provide more effective coverage of the St. James area.

The expansion of this core station would also support the inclusion of an additional equipment bay for fire and paramedic vehicles as well as training facilities for officer development and integrated training for fire and paramedic personnel.

In early 2012, the Public Service proceeded with a foundation-only award for Station 11 in order to meet Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) funding timelines, while continuing to refine the project requirements. Increased construction and inflationary costs, additional square footage and off-site services have resulted in the need to request an additional $2,232,138 to complete the facility.

Overall, no new budget dollars will be needed to cover the additional expenditures associated with this strategic increase in scope for Station 11. The additional expenditures would be covered through the City's 2013 Capital Budget. As a result, timelines for projects earmarked for 2013 would be adjusted.

Another $264,451 is needed to address heating and hoarding costs incurred during the winter construction of suburban stations 12, 18 and 27. Additional costs were also incurred for site work, permits and overhead charges.

Council approval is required before the Public Service can implement any of the recommendations. The Standing Policy Committee on Protection and Community Services will consider the report on Monday, October 29, 2012.

News

Was this information helpful?

How can we make this web page better?

Information collected will be used to improve our website. Do not use this form to submit a request for service or information because it will not be forwarded to departments for response. To submit a request for service or information, contact 311.

This form is not intended to collect personal information; however, any personal information you choose to include in your comments is collected by the City of Winnipeg under the authority of section 36(1)(b) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of improving our website and will not be used or disclosed for any other purposes, except as authorized by law. Contact the Corporate Access and Privacy Officer by mail (City Clerk’s Department, Susan A. Thompson Building, 510 Main Street, Winnipeg MB, R3B 1B9) or by telephone (311) if you have any questions about the collection of this information.