WFPS asks for station overhaul

A report from the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service is calling for a massive overhaul of the city’s fire halls.

The recommendations for work to be completed in 2010 include relocating three stations and adding one additional fire hall in the southeast of the city.

The report says 30% of the city’s WFPS stations are old and not up to industry standards, or are in locations that do not allow for optimal emergency response times.

But not everyone is excited about the proposal. Judy Collison says she doesn't like the idea of fire hall 12 moving away from its current location, which is close to her home.

"I'm not in favour of the idea. I get a certain measure of safety having them right across the street from me," she says.

Standing Policy Committee on Protection and Community Services will be looking into the proposal on Monday.

The proposal approaches the overhaul in two phases. The full report is available on the city's website.

Phase 1 (2010):

-Relocating Station 11 (currently located at 200 Berry Street) to an adjacent lot at the same address

-Relocating Station 12 (currently located at 1710 Grosvenor Street) to the area of Grant Avenue between Waverly and Kenaston Boulevard

-Replacing Station 18 (currently located at 5000 Roblin Boulevard) on it’s existing site and expanding it to the adjacent lot to the east

-Closing the stand alone ambulance station at 2325 Grant Avenue and relocating to the new facility on Roblin Boulevard

-Building a new facility near Bishop Grandin and Lagimodiere Boulevards

Phase 2 (2012-2013):

-Relocating Station 13 (currently at 799 Lilac Street) to Pembina Highway and Waller Street

-Relocating Station 15 (currently at 1083 Autmnwood Drive) to Elizabeth Road and Speers Road

-Relocating Station 19 (currently located at 320 Whitewold Road) to the area of Portage Avenue and Moray Street

-Closing the stand alone paramedic station located at 2490 Portage Avenue and assigning the unit to the new location near Portage Avenue and Moray Street

-Building a new facililty in the Waverly West area

-Rebuilding Station 4 at 150 Osborne Street