Edmonton opens new fire station and net-zero energy facility

Aug. 26, 2023, Edmonton – The City of Edmonton has opened its 31st fire station and the city’s first net-zero energy building.

The total amount of energy used by the building on an annual basis is expected to be equal to the amount of renewable energy created on the site, the city said in a press release.

The Windermere Fire Station features a rooftop solar installation, a geothermal heating and cooling system, and other climate-resilient design features.

Energy generation and reduction features of the building include solar array with 382 modules at 375W each, total rated solar capacity of 143 kW, geothermal field of 35 boreholes at 70m in depth, exterior wall insulation of R-35, roof insulation of R-50, underslab insulation of R-20, double-glazed Low-E windows, LED lighting with occupancy sensors, and six side-folding bay doors.

“This station has been a significant project for Edmonton Fire as we continue to meet the service needs of Edmontonians and our growing city,” said Edmonton Fire Chief Joe Zatylny. “In the coming years, Edmonton will be home to two million people, and this station will play an important role in ensuring the safety of both our growing city and our firefighters.”

The building design received the Canadian Architect 2018 Award of Excellence. The budget for planning, design and construction of this project was $21.5 million.

The fire station has been operational and serving the city’s southwest since July 7.