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West Saskatoon is getting a new fire station, likely by early 2028.
At a public hearing on Aug. 27, Saskatoon City Council unanimously approved the rezoning of a portion of Dundonald Park along Hunt Road, and also the transfer of $300,000 from the New Fire Stations and Upgrades budget to get the land ready for construction.
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According to the City of Saskatoon= there were 25,000 emergencies reported to the Saskatoon Fire Department in 2024. The new station is expected to help alleviate the pressures on the No. 1 and No. 2 fire stations in downtown Saskatoon and on Diefenbaker Drive.
The new station is also expected to “significantly improve” area response times. The plan is to have a one-storey building with two bays, one pumper truck, five firefighter-paramedics, and eight parking stalls on the property.
During the meeting, there was opposition from parents Micah and Amanda McQuaid, who live across from Dundonald Park, citing safety concerns and the location between two elementary schools.
“Every single school day, large portions of the student body cross multiple crosswalks and Dundonald Park that would be the main routes used by emergency vehicles leaving the fire hall.
“There are four active crosswalks within a two block radius of the proposed fire hall. These crosswalks are a safety issue for our children, and a risk to the fire department’s mission,” she said.
An aerial view of the new Fire Station No. 10, and the position within Dundonald Park. The new station will be constructed between two elementary schools. (City of Saskatoon/submitted)
McQuaid also said the heavy foot traffic, combined with school buses, drop-off lines and commuter traffic during peak times would likely slow down response times.
However, during a presentation Saskatoon Fire Chief Doug Wegren said fire crews are watchful of crosswalks and park zones like any other drivers.
“Crews understand that this is our job to get to where we have to go safely and creating emergencies or creating situations that puts the public at risk is counter-productive to what we do,” he answered.
Wegren added that when a truck is backing up, there are two people outside of it, and trucks have a backup signal. When leaving the station, there are a minimum of four people in the truck mindful of surroundings, and firefighters with less than two years of experience do not drive trucks, because special courses are required first.
Ward 4 Coun. Troy Davies, who was also a first responder, said that while the new location in the park is not ideal, and he’s had feedback “on both sides of the fence.” He says waiting to choose another location could take years and put more people at risk.
“If my parents, who live in my ward, have a cardiac arrest, now I’m worried about response times. Or, if a child chokes at school and we don’t have a proper response time that’s a risk that worries me as well.
“I’m not willing to risk those who live in my ward having a 10 to 12 to 15 minute response time when it’s their kids, their parents, themselves going through a life-threatening incident,” he emphasized.
Construction is expected to begin in the fall of 2026, with construction expected to last anywhere form 14 to 18 months. The new station should be operational by late 2027 or early 2028.
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