The Town of Sylvan Lake is one of Canada’s fastest growing communities with a population of over 12,300 residents and a much larger seasonal population, as a destination resort community. The volunteer fire department had outgrown the existing fire hall and urgently required a new facility to continue to meet the fire protection needs in the area. The new Sylvan Lake Fire Hall we designed is a contemporary interpretation of lakeside architecture taking its cues from traditional docks, piers, and boathouses.
The new Fire Hall features four double deep bays to accommodate the fire trucks, aerial truck, rescue truck, and other rescue vehicles. The facility also features offices and support spaces; an entry foyer with reception counter; repair/work area and storage spaces; laundry facilities; fitness facilities and gym area; showers and locker areas; a training room to accommodate 50; Staff Lounge area with attached kitchen; and outdoor amenities including Patio and BBQ area. The design is flexible to accommodate future expansion that would eventually include sleeping accommodations.
The project was challenging as careful focus was needed to effectively work with a general contractor based in Prince Edward Island, in a different time zone. The team also closely focused on ensuring smooth coordination between architectural and engineering consultants to ensure continuity between plans that were approved by the owner and what appeared in the final results.
The project was completed in Spring 2016.
