Chestermere celebrated the grand opening of its new five-bay, two-storey firehall, June 18.
Several local dignitaries, including politicians and former fire chiefs, attended the event.
“This is an exciting day for our community,” said Chestermere Mayor Patricia Matthews. “The construction of the Emergency Services Building is a testament to the dedication of individuals in our community and the importance of protective services in the Town of Chestermere.”
The official ribbon cutting ceremony saw Matthews, along with several other dignitaries including Deputy Mayor Kelsey Johnson, Rocky View County Fire Chief Ken McMullen and retired Chestermere fire chiefs Roy Berg and Wayne Paquette ride in fire trucks as they drove through a banner hung across the new bay doors that read “Congratulations Station 59.”
The celebration also included a barbecue, open house, entertainment by the Keister Family Fiddlers and children’s activities.
“We are thrilled to celebrate the opening of this new fire hall,” said Johnson. “No longer will our firefighters need to keep their trucks outside or sleep in a trailer. This new hall will make it a lot easier for them to readily respond to emergencies.”
The new hall, about 18 months in the making, cost about $4.5 million, and was funded through a Provincial grant. It is staffed with three full-time firefighters plus volunteer members.
The new fire station can house all the necessary equipment and trucks and includes a meeting room, kitchen and eating area, a gym, training tower, fire pole, seven dorm rooms with capacity for up to 14 firefighters, and a drive-through bay.
Chief Garth Rabel of Rocky View Fire Services said the new station is a nice addition.
“As this department grows, it’s nice to see the infrastructure grow with it,” said Rabel. “That brings us a lot of pride… and allows us to be more efficient as well.
