Residents in Varsity and surrounding communities are now better served with the official opening today of the new Varsity Multi-Service Centre at 3400 37 St. N.W. The facility strengthens emergency response for a growing community, while also providing new housing options, new services, and public green space, all within a single, community-focused hub.
“This project is about building a resilient and inclusive community,” says Katie Black, general manager of community services. “We’ve brought together key services in one accessible location, while also adding much-needed housing and green space for the residents of Varsity and beyond.”
A mixed-use facility designed for community needs:
- A modern fire station to meet today’s emergency response demands and support safety in Varsity and neighbouring areas.
- 48 mixed-income housing units, including 11 barrier-free homes and several multi-generational family units, creating stability and affordability for around 200 Calgarians.
- A household hazardous waste drop-off site to support safe, convenient environmental stewardship.
- Flexible workspaces for City service teams operating in the community.
- A potential day care service in the new retail space.
- A welcoming new parkette, with more green space to follow on the site of the old fire station.
“The opening of the Varsity Multi-Service Centre reflects The City of Calgary’s commitment to building strong, inclusive communities,” says Mayor Jyoti Gondek. “This investment allows us to better support Calgarians with faster emergency response, safe and affordable housing, and green spaces that strengthen our connection to the city and each other.”
“Varsity Fire Station has served the community well for more than 50 years,” says Calgary Fire Chief Steve Dongworth. “This new fire station will ensure we will be able to serve the community into the future as the community continues to grow and change. Not only will the new station help us continue to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies, it also makes sure our firefighters have a healthy and safe environment to work in.”
Once the new fire station is fully operational, demolition of the old facility will begin. The site will be transformed into additional park space, complementing the outdoor parkette in front of the new building and contributing to the peaceful, residential character of the area.
“By including 48 mixed-income homes, with 11 accessible, for about 200 people in this new development, The City is taking a smart approach towards addressing housing needs. Residents will be part of a bigger community with services and other City uses on site — all integrated into an established community,” says Sarah Woodgate, president and CEO of Calgary Housing.
“This facility sets a new bar for how we think about public safety and community connection, and I believe it should be the standard across our city,” said Ward 1 Councillor Sonya Sharp. “It’s the kind of smart infrastructure Calgary needs more of and what our firefighters deserve. These are the men and women who step up every single day to protect our communities, and they should have the best tools, spaces, and support to do their jobs.”
Explore the centre this weekend
A community open house will be held on Saturday, June 28, from 1 to 4 p.m. Visitors can tour the building, and the Calgary Fire Department Community Safety team will host fun and informative activities for the whole family. Sparky, the Fire Department mascot, will also be there to visit the kids.
Leasing opportunities for on-site retail space will also be advertised once the facility is fully operational at calgary.ca/realestate/leasing. To learn more about this facility, visit: engage.calgary.ca/varsity.
