Walden Fire Station and Library
Calgary’s first multi-use fire station and library Walden Fire Station and Library
Project update
Design and funding have been finalized and the construction of a permanent fire station and library facility will start summer 2026.
The Walden Temporary Fire Station , located at 969 Walden Drive S.E., on 1.96 acres is in Ward 14, near the south end of MacLeod Trail between the communities of Chaparral and Legacy. Having a temporary fire station gave City Council more time to plan and budget for a permanent fire station that would also include a library.
The new fire station and library will cost approximately $31.1 million.
The project includes:
- Two-bay permanent fire station (15,260 sq. ft).
- Calgary Public Library branch (12,322 sq. ft).
- A parking lot for staff and the public.
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.
Click the images to see what the new building is expected to look like.
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.
Image gallery
Aerial view of Walden fire hall and library
Walden library internal rendering
Walden exterior library entrance
Walden fire hall exterior entrance
Background
Southeast Calgary has seen rapid community growth over the past decade, creating the need to deliver emergency fire services. The City determined the best way to address this need was to build a temporary station in the community of Walden, which opened in 2020.
Over the past number of years, The City has also looked to find ways to combine facilities where appropriate; shifting away from planning single-use facilities. The site in Walden was large enough to add another facility, and it was determined that a Calgary Public Library would be a great addition to the Walden community.
Project timeline
Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
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.
Was a recreation facility considered as part of the planning for this project?
Early in the project planning, the project team explored the feasibility of a recreation component at the site. The City determined that the Brookfield Residential YMCA at Seton provides a wide range of quality recreation services to the communities in the Seton catchment area, including Walden, which is within a 15-minute driving distance.
In addition, the proposed Belmont Fieldhouse and Library will be the first phase of a multi-amenity recreation facility and community hub at a short distance from Walden.
For more information on how The City plans for developing recreational opportunities, please visit the Recreation Projects and Development web page.
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.