Walden Fire Station and Library
Project update
October 2026
Construction is set to begin in October 2026. Residents can expect:
- Temporary fencing adjacent to the temporary fire station.
- Closure of a small section of pathway on the west side of the Walden Common S.E. turnaround. Access to the bike path will be maintained.
- Some noise, dust and heavy equipment in the area while crews complete the work.
The temporary fire station will remain fully operational throughout construction, ensuring uninterrupted emergency response service while the new facility is built.
Contact information
This page will provide project updates as the facilities are built. If you have questions or concerns about this project, email us at Walden@calgary.ca.
Project overview
The Walden Fire Station and Library will be Calgary's first combined fire station and public library. Located at 969 Walden Drive S.E., the new facility will provide a permanent two-bay fire station and a new Calgary Public Library branch to support the growing communities of Walden, Legacy, Chaparral and surrounding areas.
The temporary fire station will remain operational until the permanent fire station and new Calgary Public Library are built. At such time the temporary station will be dismantled and removed.
Image gallery
Aerial view of Walden fire hall and library
Walden library internal rendering
Walden exterior library entrance
Walden fire hall exterior entrance
Benefits
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Enhanced emergency services
Supporting fast, reliable emergency services for growing communities.
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Learn and connect
A welcoming place to read, learn and gather.
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Better value
Delivering two important community services in one efficient facility.
Project timeline
Budget
The new fire station and library has an estimated project cost of $34.2 million, including an investment from the Province of Alberta.
Frequently asked questions
How will service be maintained during the construction of the new fire station?
The project will be built in phases to ensure emergency services are maintained during construction. The new facility will be built beside the current temporary station. Once the new station is fully operational, the temporary station will be dismantled and removed, and replaced by parking.
Why is the Walden Fire Station being planned at this location, and why include Library services on the site?
The Calgary Fire Department selects fire station locations carefully to ensure firefighters can respond to emergencies quickly and without obstacles. The Walden site meets these requirements, offering strong access for emergency response. In addition, the size and layout of the property create an opportunity to include Library services on the same site, allowing the community to benefit from multiple services in one convenient location.
Why did the CFD not build a permanent station in the beginning? Why was a temporary station built?
This community has been growing very quickly. In 2019, the fire department identified an urgent need, and shared the cost and time required to build the temporary station as an innovative, short-term solution.
Since then, City Council has approved funding for a permanent station to meet the long-term emergency response needs of the community and area.
The modular building can also be dismantled, stored, and used for a future temporary station.
Is a 10,000 square foot library as good as a larger library, such as the Shawnessy Library at Cardel Rec?
The Walden Library will offer the full range of services offered in almost any library, including physical reading materials, desktop and laptop computers, public printing and internet access, meeting and study rooms and a full slate of in-person programming and play opportunities. In addition, digital services offered through our website and partners include books, newspapers and magazines, music, movies and documentaries, and recorded library programs. Residents interested in sampling a library this size can visit the Quarry Park Library in the Remington YMCA building.
Is the land owned by The City? Is additional land needed for this project?
The City owns the land, and no additional land is needed for this project.