Mixed reviews over proposed fire station in southeast Regina
There were mixed reviews following an information session on Thursday to discuss the potential location of a new fire station in southeast Regina.
Currently, the proposed site for a new fire station is a vacant two-acre lot at the corner of Chuka Boulevard and Primrose Green Drive in southeast Regina, according to a release from the city.
Regina Fire Chief Layne Jackson was on hand to address resident’s concerns and provide information to those wanting to learn more at the come-and-go information night at École St. Elizabeth.
“We really want to be a good neighbour within the community,” Jackson said. “We are opening up and looking for any feedback that the community may have.
Not all residents are happy about the proposed location, as the vacant two-acre lot sits beside two large schools.
Noise and speed are two issues that has residents looking for more information.
Jamie Thomas lives near the proposed site and has concerns because her son is sensitive to noise due to autism.
“I am very concerned about sirens going off because noise is a big concern for him,” Thomas explained.
Thomas also said the information session was a useful tool for her family, addressing these concerns with Regina Fire.
“They are listening to my concerns,” Thomas said. “They actually have a autism program for parents that live close so we are going to have more discussions about it.”
Jackson added that emergency crews are cautious when driving through neighbourhoods.
“Our drivers are trained and professional and they do use discretion when they are operating the fire trucks,” Jackson said.
Other residents are thrilled that a fire station could be coming to the community.
Lorna Knoll, who works in a long term care home in the area, said the fire station is important to them and the residents in the community.
“Just for the simple fact for safety and close proximity as well for our community, which is critical for our residents,” she said.
Knoll added the close proximity is vital in case of emergencies at the home.
“It is important for the residents to feel comfortable that we have people of authority just down the street that are able to look after them in minutes as opposed to longer minutes,” she said.
The current response time for emergency crews to The Greens on Gardiner is between seven and eight minutes, which is beyond the standard.
“We know this area is only growing and developing more and more,” Jackson said. “There is more residential being planned to fill in and around Costco and all the way down Highway #1 so that is why this makes a good location right here.”
Jackson and the rest of Regina Fire are ready to listen to residents and said they feel confident there should not be any issues they can’t resolve.
The City of Regina Fire Master Plan identified the need for Fire Station No. 8 which was recently approved by city council.
The city said the new fire station is required because of the growing population in the southeast part of the city.
Currently, Fire Headquarters is located at 1205 Ross Ave.
According to the City of Regina’s website, the city’s seven fire stations are:
- Fire Station No. 1, located at 2585 13th Ave. (est. 1986)
- Fire Station No. 2, located at 1770 9th Ave. North (est. 2001)
- Fire Station No. 3, located at 2640 31st Ave. (est. 1991)
- Fire Station No. 4, located at 3855 Dewdney Ave. (est. 2010)
- Fire Station No. 5, located at 2700 E Arens Rd. (est. 2001)
- Fire Station No. 6, located at 303 Rink Ave. (est. 1979)
- Fire Station No. 7, located at 132 Victoria Ave. East (est. 1984)
Those who missed the Open House can still provide their input here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Former Air Canada employees among suspects identified in gold heist at Pearson airport: police
Police say one former and one current employee of Air Canada are among the nine suspects that are facing charges in connection with the gold heist at Pearson International Airport last year.
Disappointment widespread over budget's proposed $200-month disability benefit funding
Advocacy groups across Canada are expressing widespread disappointment about the amount of funding earmarked in the 2024 federal budget for the long-awaited Canada Disability Benefit.
BREAKING Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter banned from NBA
Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter has been handed a lifetime ban from The National Basketball Association (NBA) following an investigation which found he disclosed confidential information to sports bettors, the league says.
Earthquake jolts southern Japan
An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.4 hit southern Japan late on Wednesday, said the Japan Meteorological Agency, without issuing a tsunami warning.
ArriveCan contractor to be admonished by MPs in extraordinarily rare parliamentary display
Enacting an extraordinarily rarely used parliamentary power, MPs have summoned an ArriveCan contractor to appear before the House of Commons on Wednesday afternoon to be admonished publicly for failing to answer their questions.
opinion Don Martin: Gusher of Liberal spending won't put out the fire in this dumpster
A Hail Mary rehash of the greatest hits from the Trudeau government’s three-week travelling pony-show, the 2024 federal budget takes aim at reversing the party’s popularity plunge in the under-40 set, writes political columnist Don Martin. But will it work before the next election?
Gas prices across Ontario expected to climb to levels not seen since 2022, analyst says
Ontario is going to see a big jump at the pumps later this week as gas prices in the province hit levels not seen in nearly two years, according to one industry analyst.
Ancient skeletons unearthed in France reveal Mafia-style killings
More than 5,500 years ago, two women were tied up and probably buried alive in a ritual sacrifice, using a form of torture associated today with the Italian Mafia, according to an analysis of skeletons discovered at an archeological site in southwest France.
Paul McCartney and John Lennon’s sons have released a single together
A new Lennon and McCartney collaboration is the last thing anybody expected.