New modular fire-paramedic station opens in Waverley West

This new modular fire-paramedic station in Waverley West has a firetruck and ambulance, as well as a four-person fire rescue team and two-person paramedic crew, with a goal of reducing emergency response times until the permanent station is complete.

“This innovative temporary solution ensures that vital emergency services are delivered to this rapidly growing community,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham.

Christian Schmidt, the Fire & Paramedic Chief of WFPS added, “Having crews start from the most strategic location is one way that we ensure that we are getting to emergencies as quickly as possible.”

Station 15 has been operational for just over three weeks now, with crews having already responded to 151 calls for service.

“There was a car parked in the garage just last week, it caught on fire. The owner called 911, the crews showed up and because of the location of this hall they were able to get in there put that fire out, and make sure it didn’t spread to the house,” said David Pankratz, Waverley MLA.

That structure fire had a response time from station 15 of five minutes and four seconds, which is a minute and twenty seconds faster than the National Fire Protection Association performance standards.

“We don’t need to look any further than what we’re seeing on our TV every day, the horrors we’re seeing in the L.A. area, to be reminded of the importance of timely and immediate fire suppression and paramedic service as well,” said Gillingham.

The total cost for this project was 6.8 million dollars and it was assembled over the course of a few months this fall. When this project was originally put forward, Councillor Janice Lukes said there was some pushback from the community, but that has since changed to positive reactions.

“I had many, many, many, calls and emails and heated discussions on the time frame and arrival of the fire paramedic station, and now when I’m out and about in the community people are thrilled,” said Janice Lukes, Councillor of Waverley West.

The modular station will be in service for two years while the permanent station is being constructed.