Fire Hall No. 1

Following two years of expansion and renovations, the ribbon was cut on Fire Hall Number 1 on June 25, 2010. Renovations to the building created much needed space for the fire crews, Fire Department administrative offices, the Emergency Operations Centre and a large training room.

In keeping with Maple Ridge's commitment to environmental sustainability, the project is currently registered with the Canadian Green Building Council (CaGBC) and has received the LEED Gold certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

Going Green

A 'green' intent, along with the enthusiastic participation of the Fire Fighters' Building Committee, influenced and shaped almost every design decision at various stages of the project, some of which are described below:

• The addition/renovation project minimized the use of new materials and maximized reuse of existing building shell and asphalted areas.
• Mechanical systems have been carefully designed to be innovative and efficient; they are controlled and monitored by a building automation system restricting their use only to occupied areas and ensuring optimal functioning.
• A closed-loop geo-exchange system has been designed to meet the bulk of heating and cooling requirements - this option is extremely economical in the long run and reduces consumption of natural gas and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Energy efficient electrical lighting fixtures are controlled by occupancy sensors, conserving electricity and lengthening the usable life of the fixtures.
• Large windows on exterior walls, light shelves and extensive use of interior glazed partitions enable penetration of natural light to interior spaces. Natural lighting and ventilation reduces dependency on mechanical and electrical systems conserving energy.
• The building envelope has been designed and detailed for optimum energy performance, expending less energy while heating building interiors. The roofing system was designed to increase reflectivity, effectively reducing heat within the building.
• Landscaping has been designed using vegetation that is drought resistant.
• Low flush fixtures used in the washrooms further reduce water usage.

All the above points contribute towards making Maple Ridge Fire Hall No. 1 an energy efficient building in terms of its construction, operation and maintenance.