For 15 years, the lot at 11th Avenue and 12th Street S.E. has lain dormant

"For 15 years, the lot at 11th Avenue and 12th Street S.E. has lain dormant, a stark reminder of unfulfilled promises. The once-promising sign indicating plans for a new fire hall now stands overgrown and neglected, a testament to the city's inaction. Meanwhile, Calgary firefighters are busier than ever, responding to call volumes that have doubled since 2020.

As Calgary Firefighters Association President Jamie Blayney aptly put it, "This is not a suburban wish list item. This is a critical piece of infrastructure in the center of the city." The aging downtown hall, built in 1973, is woefully inadequate to meet the needs of the thriving Inglewood community. The current situation forces resources to be pulled from other districts, compromising service and response times in those areas.

Blayney emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "It puts a strain on neighboring districts. Seconds count in emergencies, and we just need to have that available to the citizens." Unfortunately, the city's mixed-use development plan has hit a snag, bogged down by complexities in the agreement with a private partner.

City officials promise to present new options to the council by year-end, but every delay increases the risk to the community and diminishes potential benefits. In a rapidly growing city like Calgary, where expansion is happening both upwards and outwards, prompt response times are crucial. It is imperative that bureaucratic hurdles are addressed, and construction on Inglewood's fire hall moves forward without further delay."