Ontario Construction News staff writer
Officials are celebrating the progress made during the COVID-19 pandemic on construction of Toronto’s newest fire station – Station 144 at Downsview Park.
The fire station is situated in the south west corner of Downsview Park, strategically located in to more than 1,000 new homes and will play an important role in serving York Centre’s growing community.
Construction started March 15 – just as the COVID-19 pandemic was beginning – and is expected to be completed in Fall 2021. Toronto-based Pegah Construction is the general contractor, working with:
- Architect: Thomas Brown Architects
- Site Services Consultant: MGM Consulting Inc.
- Mechanical & Electrical Consultant: Regal Consulting Engineers Inc.
- Structural Consultant: Stephenson Engineering Ltd.
- Landscape Consultant: Harrington McAvan Ltd.
“As our city continues to grow, so do the amount of people living in buildings and houses. The creation of this new Fire Station will service an area that is need of proper supports and services from our Toronto Fire Services,” said Toronto mayor John Tory.
“I want to thank TFS for their work thus far on the project and look forward to when the project is complete so that residents in the area can receive support from the station.”
The station will also house the Toronto Fire Services Fire Investigations Team and serve as a post-disaster facility. It was designed for functionality to be an efficient, environmentally-conscious facility that allows natural light, uses robust materials for a longer service life and includes a green roof.
“This fire station on Keele Street is another vital City of Toronto project which is located and will be staffed to keep the residents of Downsview and beyond safe,” said Ward 6 councillor James Pasternak.
“Fires are rare, but we always rely on our first responders to get to a fire safely and quickly. That is why we always admire and respect the bravery and dedication of our fire fighters and offer prayers that they return safety to their families after every shift.”
Fire Chief Matthew Pegg says the facility includes purpose-built spaces for an evidence lock-up and decontamination areas that our staff require to operate effectively and safely and will serve as a post-disaster facility and will be protected by a full emergency back-up generator system to maintain service, even under adverse conditions.