Pop-Up City Spray Parks Cool Down Hot Summer Days

Air conditioners keep rooms cool but if you want to cool down and have fun, giant sprinklers in the park are much better.

As part of the This is My Neighbourhood initiative, we worked with communities around Calgary to identify ways to help make city neighbourhoods an even better place to live, work and play.

“When we asked residents, in participating communities, what would make their neighbourhoods even better, they all mentioned spray parks,” explained This is My Neighbourhood coordinator Katie Thorpe. “As The City can’t build full, permanent spray parks in all neighbourhoods, Calgary Fire had the creative idea to use existing fire hydrants to bring pop-up spray parks to them.”
Shelley Steele, community safety officer with Calgary Fire, helped get the idea off the ground. She and her team saw this as the perfect opportunity to engage Community Safety Officers and Fire crews with children and families across the city in a fun, unique and educational way.
“Our Fire Department is proud of our partnership with all those involved with This is My Neighbourhood,” says Steele. “The kids love it because they see our firefighters getting involved in a fun activity, not an emergency situation. What started as an example of what we could do turned into something that we’re doing and it’s all about engagement.”
As part of the fun, staff from the Calgary Fire Department also take a moment to touch on key fire safety.

Children in Abbeydale, Thorncliffe/Greenview and Millican Ogden got to test out the spray park over the past few weeks and a there are a few more dates to come in the neighbourhoods of Chaparral and Glendale.

This is a great way for people in the neighbourhood, kids and adults alike, to come out and play together. Having fun and getting to know each other is an important part of creating vibrant and connected communities with deeper implications than a fun way to cool off on a hot day.

Simple, fun activities like pop-up spray parks can help form connections. Strong and connected communities lead to a number of social and community benefits including reduced isolation, improved health and local vibrancy.
When communities thrive, the people who live there thrive too.

Upcoming Spray ‘n’ Play events:

• Chaparral: Saturday August 25, 1-3 p.m., Chaparral Valley Square Green Space
• Glendale: Saturday September 8, 1-4 p.m., Optimist Athletic Park

For more on other initiatives happening in neighbourhoods across Calgary check out Calgary.ca/TIMN.

Ammonia Use and Safety in Calgary

On October 19, 2017 three people were killed following an ammonia leak at an ice arena in Fernie, British Columbia. This tragedy gave rise to some questions from the public and news stories emerged in Calgary on November 6, 2017 that sought to investigate the relative safety of Calgarians, especially those living next to large facilities that utilize ammonia as central to ice rink operations.

The City of Calgary operates facilities with refrigeration equipment with safety as the top priority. The City operates 12 arenas using ammonia. All City of Calgary arena staff are trained in best practices in working with refrigeration systems, preventative maintenance and emergency procedures. In the unlikely event of an ammonia leak, City of Calgary facilities are equipped with a multi-alarm system which is triggered when ammonia levels rise above normal.

In terms of overall safety, the Calgary Fire Department is actively involved with ammonia safety planning, prevention and has a dedicated Hazardous Materials Response Team of trained firefighters that can respond at any time to mitigate the situation.

According to Calgary Fire Department incident data, the overall incident trend on ammonia within Calgary has been a decreasing one with 12 of 20 incidents occurring 2012-2013, with two per year 2014-2016 and one incident in 2017 to date. Most were refrigeration issues at commercial or industrial facilities. There have been 3 incidents in the past 5 years in Calgary relating to ice rinks specifically, none involving casualties.

Apart from its own facilities, The City of Calgary does not manage, regulate or inventory ammonia at the sites where it is used: ammonia is not a municipal responsibility but is provincially and federally regulated. Notwithstanding, The City undertakes significant efforts on multiple fronts to ensure public safety, evidenced in part by the decreasing trend in ammonia incidents within Calgary.

The use and operation of ammonia is provincially and federally regulated and enforced. The City of Calgary operates facilities with refrigeration equipment with safety as the top priority. This includes working with all ammonia owners and operators by assisting with emergency response, prevention and planning on an ongoing basis. 

What are these safety measures?

Safety is our number one priority at all City of Calgary facilities. As part of our safety procedures, our staff monitor and conduct daily ammonia level checks as part of their duties. In addition, our staff also conduct regular safety drills. The City of Calgary also has emergency response plans in place for a variety of scenarios, including an ammonia leak.

Apart from its own facilities, The City of Calgary is not mandated to regulate or inventory ammonia at private sites. However, through working with the province and other regulatory and safety partners, the Calgary Fire Department helps ensure public safety on ammonia in three specific areas:

• fire safety plans with building owners, including site visits and on-site training in collaboration with operators. 
• inspections to comply with Alberta Fire Code. 
• hazardous materials emergency response, as needed. 

What happens if there is a leak?

All City of Calgary arena staff are trained in best practices in working with refrigeration systems, preventative maintenance and emergency procedures. As part of our safety procedures, City facilities staff conduct daily ammonia level checks as part of their duties. In addition, staff also conduct regular safety drills. In the unlikely event of an ammonia leak, The City of Calgary facilities are equipped with a multi-alarm system which is triggered when ammonia levels rise above normal.

Have there been any leaks at these City-owned facilities in the past?

Yes, there have been three minor incidents in the past five years in Calgary relating to ice rinks specifically, none involved casualties. One of these three incidents occurred in July 2015 when an alarm indicated an elevated level of ammonia in the compressor room at Rose Kohn Arena. This was caused by a small release of gas. The City staff member followed safety procedures by shutting down the compressors. The emergency ventilation system was then turned on. As a safety precaution, our City staff member evacuated the few people in the arena. There were no injuries to citizens as a result of this incident.

What about ammonia at other facilities in Calgary?

It is expected that all building owners and operators follow safe handling and storage procedures, as per provincial and federal guidelines and regulations. Calgary Fire actively works with ammonia operators as part of its Fire Safety Plan program to assist with operator emergency response plans, which will often involve a site visit involving crews operating at the nearest local fire station as well as Calgary Fire’s Hazardous Materials Response Team. This promotes familiarization and helps the facility operators to understand why the information is important, and they can meet and work with their first responders. These plans also include other chemical storage or use information.

Why doesn’t The City track or enforce ammonia as a hazardous substance?

As a municipal body, The City of Calgary is not empowered to govern hazardous materials. The operation of ammonia refrigeration plants is regulated provincially by Municipal Affairs under the code “Pressure Equipment Safety Regulations” and more generally by Alberta Environment for larger installations. Design and operation of refrigeration plants is also regulated by Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standard. And above a specific quantity threshold, Environment Canada E2 Regulations prescribe detailed response plans. In effect, there are several layers of provincial and federal regulations for the operation of ammonia refrigeration plants. As a municipal organization, the Calgary Fire Department is not a regulator of controlled chemicals and products, so while we have awareness of where product is, we do not keep an inventory count of ammonia at industrial and facility sites in Calgary.

Is there an ammonia safety problem in Calgary?

Although the Calgary Fire Department cannot regulate the use or track inventory of ammonia in private facilities, calls responding to ammonia leaks are tracked. The overall incident trend on ammonia within Calgary has decreased with 12 of 20 reported leaks happening in 2012 and 2013, with two per year 2014-2016 and one incident in 2017 to date. Most were refrigeration issues at commercial or industrial facilities. None of these leaks involved casualties.

If I have questions related to a privately-owned ammonia operator, where can I find more information?

Any questions about those facilities must be directed to the respective facility. However, in accordance with the Emergency Management Act, The City of Calgary does not support reporting specifics on hazardous material volume or location. The Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) supports the restricted circulation of such information pertaining to where ammonia is stored, and the volumes at that site, due to security issues.

If you have any questions about City of Calgary facilities, please call 311.

Calgary Fire celebrates everyday heroes for going ‘Beyond the Call’

The Calgary Fire Department recognized local heroes for their contributions to the community with an annual awards luncheon on October 20. The Officer’s Mess Hall at Fort Calgary made a striking backdrop for presenting medals and certificates to emergency personnel and ordinary citizens whose extraordinary actions saved lives and properties.

Twenty-seven Calgarians from all walks of life were honoured for their quick thinking and decisive actions in medical emergencies, fires, avalanches and other hazardous incidents.

Fire Chief Steve Dongworth was joined on stage by Deputy Mayor Jim Stevenson and City Manager Jeff Fielding, to hand out awards for three levels of recognition:

• Appreciation: recognizing individuals for providing basic first aid or an act of kindness to a victim at a CFD-attended emergency scene.
• Recognition: acknowledging individuals for their significant effort to aid in a CFD-attended situation where citizens or property are in danger. Their actions often result in injuries being avoided or property being saved.
• Commendation: recognizing individuals for proactive actions that save lives, even if it means risking personal injury, to ensure the safety of others. The recipient’s actions go well above and beyond expectations.

Calgary Fire Department Public Information Officer Carol Henke, who acted as the event’s Master of Ceremonies, noted that recipients represented a diverse cross-section of Calgary’s communities, which included young children, new Canadians and an off-duty firefighter. “Despite being so different, these recipients have one thing in common,” Henke said. “They all rose to the occasion and put the needs of others ahead of their own - something we can all be proud of.”

Dallas Kaquitts performing the Honour song

To close out the luncheon, Stoney Nakoda drummer Dallas Kaquitts performed the Honour song in a heartfelt display of appreciation.

Firefighter and Medal of Bravery recipient Benoit St. Pierre was also featured on the CBC’s morning show The Eyeopener to recount his experience saving a group of back country skiers from an avalanche.

Members of the public can nominate citizens, firefighters or other emergency responders for recognition by contacting 311. For more information on the Calgary Fire Department, please visit calgary.ca/fire.

Submitted by Irina Mazursky, Calgary Fire

Quiz: Test your summer safety IQ

It’s officially summertime and the outdoors is calling. Get the most out of our city’s fantastic offerings by taking a few minutes to check your summer safety IQ.

On the water 

You’re packing for a day of rafting on the Bow River. You’ve got snacks, lots of bottled water to keep hydrated and plenty of sunscreen. What else do you need?

1. Weather forecast.
2.  A hat.
3.  Cell phone to call for help if needed.
4.  A life jacket.
5.  All of the above.

Carol Henke, Public Information Officer
for Calgary Fire hams it up.

While items one through three are all really good ideas, hands down, the most important thing to bring is a life jacket. Wearing a life jacket while boating, rafting or using any other kind of watercraft on waterways within city limits is required by law. Plus, it’ll save your life if you get into trouble.

Missing from this list is alcohol. It’s illegal to have alcohol on any watercraft and it will impair your ability to react if something unexpected happens. For more tips on enjoying the water safely and responsibly, check out calgary.ca/watersafety.

Into the fire

A friend is bringing over a guitar and you’ve got all the fixings to make s’mores over a fire in the backyard pit. You’ve checked calgary.ca/firepits to make sure no fire bans are in effect for Calgary. Your next concerns are your neighbours and staying safe. What can you do to stay on your neighbour’s good side and have a safe, fun time?

1. Only burn clean, dry wood to keep the smoke down and mitigate any environmental issues.
2. Stay with the fire at all times.
3. Request a playlist from your neighbour so your guitar friend only plays songs they like.
4. Keep the noise down after 10 p.m. and make sure your fire’s out by 1 a.m.

You’re super thoughtful if you chose number three, but appealing to your neighbour's musical tastes isn’t necessary. You do, however, want to make sure you’re complying with numbers 1, 2 and 4 which reflect Calgary’s fire pit and noise bylaws. There are a couple other requirements you’ll want to be aware of.  Please check them out at calgary.ca/firepits before you strike that match.

In the air

You’re enjoying the view from your friend’s condo balcony on the 6th floor. You’re a smoker but your friend’s not so she doesn’t have an ashtray for you. When it’s time to butt out, you:

1. Put your cigarette out in the closest flower pot
2. Toss it off the balcony
3. Ask for a bit of water to douse your butt before putting it in the garbage

The two definite no-no’s here are the first and the second choices. Flower pots contain flammable material that has caused more than one devastating fire in Calgary. It’s also incredibly dangerous to toss your cigarette butts over the balcony. You can’t control where they land or who they may  land on.

More on safely disposing of cigarette butts, or go to calgary.ca/homesafety.

Now that you’re summer safety IQ is in top form, join our Facebook event and tell us what you’re doing to get the most out of your summer safely and responsibly.

Submitted by Donna Bertrand, Customer Service & Communications

Calgary Public Library and Calgary Fire Department unveil hot new installation

Bring your children down to Calgary’s Central Library and let their imaginations soar at the interactive installation - The New Adventures of Engine 23.

This one-of-a-kind exhibit gives your kids a chance to put on firefighter duty gear and a fire helmet and climb aboard Engine 23 to read, imagine and play. There is even duty gear for adults if you want to let your inner child join in.



The top secret mission

It all started with a secret mission under the cloak of darkness overnight on April 3-4. This involved taking the wheels off the truck and carefully moving it into the library where a wall was erected to hide the installation until the unveiling.

Engine 23, once an active fire truck, is accessible from both the first and second levels of the library, and incorporates book shelves, a reading space and historic fire photographs on loan from the Firefighters Museum of Calgary.

Storytime with a firefighter

As part of the partnership, Calgary firefighters will also answer the call three days a week for children’s story time to encourage early literacy while also sharing important fire safety tips for kids and parents. Families (all ages) are welcome to drop in on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout June, July, and August.

For more information on the exhibit visit www.calgarylibrary.ca/engine-23 or visit us at calgary.ca/fire to learn more information about your Calgary Fire Department.

Submitted by Sandra Sweet, Calgary Fire Department

Teens take on adrenaline-pumping challenges in Fire Cadets and Bucket Brigade

This summer, teens between the ages of 14 and 18 year of age (by July 1) from Calgary and surrounding areas can find out if they have what it takes at the Calgary Fire Department Bucket Brigade.

Cadets Mamta Devi and Reid Zaharia each received the
2016 ATCO Scholarship presented by Kelly McCann,
Senior Manager Calgary Operations, ATCO

The four-day summer program gives teens a chance to experience the excitement of firefighting while learning the basics of the technical skills needed for this adrenaline-pumping career

Two program dates are being offered this summer:
• July 19 - 22 Tuesday – Friday 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
• August 16 - 19 Tuesday – Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Registration is now open. Spaces are limited and are filled on a first come-first served basis, so get your application in as soon as possible. There is a cost for the summer camps. Subsidies are available through the Fee Assistance program for those in financial need (call 311 for details on how to apply).

Fire Cadet program

If your teens like what they experience at Bucket Brigade they may also want to think about applying to the Fire Cadet program.

The Fire Cadet program is for youth aged 15 to 18 from Calgary and surrounding areas.



Cadets learn the basics of handling a fire hose, operating an apparatus (fire truck), high angle rescue, CPR and vehicle extrication, among other skills.

Beyond the technical, cadets develop important life skills such as leadership, teamwork, pride and respect while getting more involved in their community through volunteer work.

Cadets can also apply for one of two $1000 education scholarships awarded by ATCO, a long-time partner of the fire department’s Cadet program.

The application process will open in September and interested teens should go over the application now to get ready.

Submitted by Sandra Sweet, Calgary Fire Department

Four firefighters who died in World War One honoured on 100th anniversary

June 2 marks the 100th year anniversary of the death of John Gallacher, the last of four firefighters who were killed in action in World War One. The Calgary Fire Department will honour those four members at a ceremony at the Cenotaph in Central Memorial Park, 1221 – 2 St S.W. at noon on June 2. Members of the public are invited to attend.

The Calgary Fire Department Honour Guard and a piper from the Calgary Fire Department Pipes and Drums Band will open and close the ceremony. The event will conclude with the laying of wreaths at the cenotaph.

Fifty-five Calgary firefighters served in World War One. When they enlisted, they did so knowing that they would be able to return to their jobs thanks to a new fire department policy. Forty-Three firefighters resumed their duties in Calgary after the war.

Four heroes who did not return

Private Walter Bartlett was killed on the front lines while serving with the Canadian Army Service Corps in May 1915. He was 27. Bartlett is buried in the Boulogne East Cemetery in France.

Private Arthur Bowden was seriously wounded in combat and eventually died in May 1916 at a base hospital in France. He served with the Canadian Pioneers. The 30-year-old was a member of Calgary Fire for two and a half years before enlisting. He is buried in the Ypres Resevoir Cemetery in Belgium.

Lance Corporal Eric Burton was 22 when he died in May 1915. He was among the first recruits to leave with The Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry early on in the war. He is buried in the Lijssenthoek Miltary Cemetery in Belgium.

Corporal John Gallacher was killed June 2, 1916 while fighting with The Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry. Gallacher joined Calgary Fire in the fall 1912. He was 24. Along with 55,000 other allied soldiers killed in the battle for the Ypres Salient, whose bodies were never recovered, he is remembered on the Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium.

For more on Canada’s role in World War One, visit the Canadian War Museum website.

Reminder to stay safe around our many waterways when out enjoying our warm winter weather

Remember to be aware of the dangers with skating, skiing and walking on ice-covered waterways as you go out to enjoy the great outdoors and the warmer weather.

Skating at Bowness Park.

Stay ice safe

Even though the ice on our rivers, reservoir, storm water ponds and community lakes may look solid, be aware looks can be deceiving. Stay off the ice unless it is a City- or community-designated area.

Water level and flow underneath these ice surfaces changes constantly, which affects the ice in unpredictable ways. Moving water may cause ice to melt quicker and our varying weather temperatures contribute to inconsistent thickness in ice.

Where to get out and be active

But we know that ice skating and cross-country skiing are popular activities in Calgary. Check out one of these great locations to help stay active and safe.

Outdoor ice skating:
- The City maintains six outdoor rinks in parks through Calgary.
- The Adopt-a-Rink program maintains over 35 rinks through the help of volunteers.
- Community and resident associations also maintain rinks.
Cross-country skiing:
- Groomed cross-country skiing areas are volunteer-maintained at five Calgary golf-courses.
- Parks and schoolyards offer cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities.

Check us out online for more information on ice safety

Find out about other great winter activities in Calgary.

Submitted by Sandra Sweet, Calgary Fire Department

Be ice-safe near Calgary waterways this winter

Sunny winter days are great for a walk along Calgary’s many pathways, but remember to stay safe when these paths take you past the shores and banks of our rivers, reservoir, storm ponds and community lakes.

Calgary is known for its unpredictable weather as well as extreme and quick temperature changes, which sometimes happen all in one day. These conditions create unstable and unsafe ice conditions on or near our city’s many waterways.

“Stay off the ice unless it’s a City or community-designated skating rink. It’s best to keep a safe distance from ice-covered ponds, lagoons, lakes, rivers or the reservoir,” says Public Information Officer Carol Henke of the Calgary Fire Department.

Here are more safety tips to keep in mind this winter when near Calgary waterways:

• Always keep a safe distance from riverbanks and lakeshores to avoid accidentally falling through the ice.
• Don't walk on ice-covered bodies of water, including storm ponds. It's difficult to assess the thickness of the ice and its ability to hold the weight of a person or animal.
• If a person or animal falls through ice into water, call 9-1-1. Do not attempt to rescue. Encourage the victim to kick and pull up onto the ice and roll, rather than walk toward shore.  

More information on ice safety.

Submitted by Bridget Cox, Calgary Fire Department

Temporary community art project to be unveiled in celebration of fire station rebuild

We hope you can join us tomorrow morning, starting at 10 a.m., to see the new temporary art project ‘Many Hands Makes Artwork’ unveiled at the Mount Pleasant Fire Station 7, 2708 4 St. N.W.

Hot chocolate, an art activity, and a chance to visit with the captain and crew of Fire Station 7 along with Calgary Fire Department mascot, Sparky, will be part of the celebration. The event will be in the bays of Fire Station 7, with the doors open, so everyone is reminded to dress for the weather.

Artists worked with the community

While created by Calgary artists Sandras Civitarese, Lisa Tornack and Heather Urness, this project would not have been possible without the work of many community members and the North Mount Pleasant Arts Centre.

The art project will span more than 100 feet of fencing and be interactive, allowing the public to see through the fencing in places, so they can check out progress on the demo and rebuilding of the fire station.

Peak through art on the fence and watch demolition and rebuild @ Mount Pleasant Fire Station. #yyc Tweet this!

Unveiling for passersby

“The artists created the concept of the project and we’ve relied on help from the community to complete it. We know it will add a unique visual element to what will be a construction site,” says Jody Williams, supervisor for the North Mount Pleasant Arts Centre.

On Saturday, Nov. 21, at 10:30 a.m. the art project will be unveiled by Mayor Naheed Nenshi, MLA for Calgary-Klein Craig Coolahan, Ward 7 Councillor Druh Farrell and Acting Fire Chief Ken Uzeloc as well as two of the project’s artists, Sandra Civitarese and Heather Urness.

The project will be facing towards Mount Pleasant Fire Station 7 on Saturday morning, for the event, and will be turned around on Monday morning, for the community and everyone who passes by 4 Street N.W., to see.

New fire station complete by end of 2017

“This has been a great experience, to partner with the Calgary Fire Department and members of the community to create something that we hope everyone who passes by will enjoy. We are so excited to finally see it unveiled,” says Williams.

The fire station is set to be demolished by the end of this year to make way for a replacement fire station. The new station is expected to be completed by the end of 2017 to ensure the Calgary Fire Department can continue to provide the needed emergency services to Mount Pleasant and its surrounding communities in the future.

Submitted by Bridget Cox, Calgary Fire Department

Calgary heroes recognized by Calgary Fire Department

It’s around four in the morning in late September on a residential drive in the southeast. The quiet of the hour is disrupted when a driver, doing about double the speed limit, hits the curb. The car he’s driving flips, smashes mid-air through a tree and lands upside down, wedged under the front balcony of a four-plex. The tree is down, the front door of one home destroyed and the driver, trapped under the crushed dash, is unconscious. The engine bursts into flames.

A tragic outcome for the driver and sleeping residents inside the four connected homes was avoided, all thanks to a police officer who happened to see the whole thing – changing a potentially deadly situation into one of heroic rescues and immense appreciation for his actions.

CFD annual recognition event

Calgary Police Constable Jason Schneider (middle) is recognized for life-saving 
actions by Fire Chief Steve Dongworth (right) and Colin Senkow (left), 
member of the Calgary Fire Department Honour Guard.

Today, the Calgary Fire Department recognized Cst. Jason Schneider for his life-saving actions during those early morning hours in September, with a Medal of Bravery and Commendation. This is the Calgary Fire Department’s highest honour, bestowed to citizens and emergency services personnel who save lives or risk personal injury to ensure others’ safety.

“I’m very honoured to receive this award,” Schneider said. “It’s highly prestigious.”

Schneider is one of 11 Calgarians to receive a Commendation today at Calgary Fire Department’s annual recognition event held during Fire Prevention Week.

Another 23 people received Recognition awards for their significant efforts during a fire-attended emergency, where people or property were in danger and their actions avoided injuries or damages; and 10 more received Appreciation awards for providing basic first aid or an act of kindness to a victim.

Looking back, Schneider says he didn’t see himself in danger as much as he did the potential victims. “That’s from all the training we get as first responders, so really, anyone would have done what I did.”

Modesty aside, what he did clearly deserves a medal.

Back at the crash site
Just beyond the threshold of one home, a woman stood frozen in disbelief and shock. Schneider yelled at her to get out of the house but the damaged door blocked her exit. He managed to free the door and quickly ordered the woman and her elderly father away from further risk.

Schneider then turned to the driver, still unconscious and trapped. He crawled inside the burning car, thinking, “If the car blows at least I’ll be inside and underneath it.”

Just as he freed the driver, four other police officers arrived on scene. Two of them grabbed fire extinguishers from the cruisers and started on the fire; the others banged on neighbours’ doors. One of the residents later said he thought his house was being broken into. He was right, sort of, but in a good way.

Firefighters and EMS arrived within a few minutes to complete the fire suppression and first aid duties. Now when Schneider thinks about it, he says, “Without a doubt what stands out most for me was how the five of us (police officers) worked together before fire and EMS arrived. I couldn’t have gotten all those people out of their homes, managed the fire and saved the driver, too. Together though, it was pretty impressive.”

Schneider’s police colleagues who helped that night also received Recognition awards today: Constables Greg Burnett, Marty Woodrow, Renee Moore and Dan Rogers.

Visit The City of Calgary newsroom for the full list of award recipients and their respective heroics.

Fire, Water, Earth: Coming full circle with water conservation in fire training

In experiencing some warmer temperatures of late, it serves as a good reminder of our access to fresh, clean water and the importance it plays in our everyday lives. In helping to preserve this precious resource, The City of Calgary looks for opportunities to implement water conservation practices throughout its operations and facilities. The Calgary Fire Department (CFD) is ensuring this, and other environmental considerations are at the forefront of its training efforts.

Recognizing an opportunity to reduce its environmental footprint and to participate in The City’s 30-in-30 Water Efficiency Plan (to reduce Calgary’s per capita water consumption by 30 per cent from 2003 volumes by the year 2033), the Calgary Fire Department developed a system to capture and reuse the 150 million litres of water used during every year in training.

In essence, the Training Academy has ceased consumption and waste of potable water for its training. This first-of-its-kind system utilizes water from a man-made wetland and pond filtration system. Instead of spraying potable water all over the

facility’s grounds and watching it ice up, run down drains, or evaporate, contaminated fire run-off is retreated and reused.

The innovative nature of this project has even won a national environmental award in 2010 and was nominated for several other awards, including the Globe Awards for Excellence in Urban Sustainability and the Emerald Awards. Other organizations, like the Edmonton Fire Department, have also requested information about this system to see if they may be able to do something similar.

Improving overall environmental performance is rewarding, but an added benefit is when services to the citizens of Calgary are improved as a result.

“In addition to the Training Facility, we expanded our pump training program for crews by allowing them to train in selected remote locations,” said Patrick Choukalos, Calgary Fire Department environmental consultant. Pump training ensures that firefighters to learn how to control the amount of water that enters the fire hose from the hydrant to enable the them to put the fire out in the most effective and efficient way.

Last year, the CFD and the City of Calgary Parks worked on a cooperative effort that now sees firefighters pump water onto certain areas within specific City parks – essentially watering the trees, plants and grass as a by product of hydrant testing and running response drills.

Battalion Chief John Cherweniuk - a 29 year member of the Calgary Fire Department, championed the idea. “I knew this type of partnership could benefit our crews by allowing them to conduct their pump training in a more realistic setting, and in areas conveniently located in their response district,” said Chief Cherweniuk.

During hot, dry summer weather, some of the training practices like the one mentioned, allows water on areas that doesn't usually receive it and helps to reduce the risk of grass or bush fire.

“This training is good for parks and saves time, gas and emissions by letting crews stay closer to their stations to train. It also lessens our environmental footprint," adds Choukalos.

“This training is good for parks, and lessens our environmental footprint while allowing us to contribute directly to the communities we serve,” said Choukalos.


Related Calgary City News Blog posts:
Fire Department's Water Re-use Project wins national environmental award
Calgary Fire Department boasts new training facility, water reclamation project

The City's guide to Stampede parading

It's that time of year again... rodeos, midway, shows, exhibitions and everything country. Those of us who know it, know it well.

The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth kicks off tomorrow with the Stampede Parade and The City will be there to help you get around, view the parade, clean up and stay safe.

Getting around
Biking & Walking
Cycle your way down to the Stampede Parade using the city centre cycle track network or ride along part of Calgary's 800 kms of pathways and bikeways.

Take extra caution when passing through intersections. Most Stampede time pedestrian collisions occur on Friday and happen at traffic signals, when vehicles are making right hand turns. It’s important to watch out for one another so we can all enjoy a safe Stampede.

Calgary Transit
Effective the evening before parade day, 'round the clock transit service and discounted day passes will be available for Stampede week.

During the parade about 350,000 float-fanatics line the 4.5 km parade route, so many downtown transit routes will be on detour. Thousands make their way to the Stampede Grounds afterwards and can use bus, CTrain and walking options from the parade to the grounds.

Transit impacts on parade day will include detours for some regular and express bus services.

Driving
There will be a number of road closures to accommodate events all over the city during the Calgary Stampede (July 3-12). Spectators travelling to the Stampede Parade are encouraged to walk, bike or use transit to get into the downtown core.

Road and parking impacts on parade day will include several parking lot closures.

Viewing the parade
The City has reserved and will monitor eight accessible Stampede Parade viewing zones along the parade route for people with mobility challenges (canes, walkers, wheelchairs, scooters) and their friends/families.

Space is limited, so get there early! Look for barricades and signs. If space remains in the viewing areas after 8 a.m., they will be opened up to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.

The City in action
Street sweeper critters have been a Stampede tradition for nearly 15 years, bringing joy to parade goers and youth at the Children's Hospital that are unable to travel to the Stampede parade --  the most rewarding event of the year, according to street sweeper operators.

Representatives from Calgary Stampede, Public Safety Communications,
 Calgary Police Service, Calgary Fire Department, Alberta Health Services,
Animal & Bylaw Services, and Inspections and Permits

City staff collaborate across many departments to ensure the event flows smoothly and safely:

• Parking and traffic control will be coordinated by the Calgary Parking Authority (CPA), Roads, Calgary Police Service (CPS) and Animal & Bylaw Services (ABS).
• Calgary Emergency Management Agency will open the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and activate the Municipal Emergency Plan during the Stampede Parade to monitor and assist as required. 
• CPS have collocated their Tactical Operations Centre in the EOC. This will help to ensure the facilitation of a collaborative, coordinated and multi stakeholder response.
• Fire, ABS and CPS officers will be onsite and in communication for the duration of the Parade for immediate response.

Other Useful Info

• Calgary.ca/calgarystampede
• Calgary Police Stampede safety tips

Flood Readiness & River Safety: Understand. Prepare. Stay Informed. Stay Safe.

With May long weekend known as Calgary's unofficial start to recreational water season and the risk of river flooding greatest between May 15 - July 15, we'd like to update Calgarians on flood readiness and also remind everyone of river dangers.



Understand
The City monitors river forecasts, soil moisture, rainfall and snow melt rates in the mountains. Current data shows mountain snowpack is at the low end of a normal range. Our 90 day precipitation is drier than average, but not rare. We could expect more precipitation between May and July due to El Nino.

New flood inundation maps and river flow triggers are available to help Calgarians understand their personal and business flood risks.

Prepare
The City is better prepared to manage and minimize the impacts of a future flood. We’ve developed a comprehensive plan that incorporates the recommendations of our Expert Management Panel, trained more people, stock piled materials, repaired eroded river banks, built temporary barriers and created new inundation maps.

Calgarians also play an important role in flood readiness and safety. Stay prepared, alert and at the ready by having an emergency plan and 72 hour kit.

Stay Informed
The City has tools and resources available to help Calgarians know their flood risk. Visit calgary.ca/floodinfo for the latest information including flood advisories. You can also subscribe to our weekly newsletter and download the Alberta Rivers: Data and Advisories mobile app.

Stay Safe
The City’s Partners in Water Safety want to remind all Calgarians where there’s water, there’s risk. Before hopping on boat or river raft:

• SCOUT the river for potential hazards,
• ASSESS the level of danger and,
• DECIDE if it’s safe to proceed.

Helping you stay safe this holiday season

The holiday season is about giving and being able to enjoy time with family and friends. To help you have a safe holiday season, we'd like to share a few messages.

Report Impaired Drivers initiative

Public Safety Communications – Calgary’s 9-1-1 centre – has partnered with the Calgary Police Service and Mothers Against Drunk Driving for the Report Impaired Drivers initiative.

Drunk driving is an emergency. If you see someone showing signs of driving drunk, pull over where it's safe and call 9-1-1. Do not attempt to follow the driver or place yourself in danger. Once reported, we will take all impaired driving calls seriously and will send the appropriate emergency responders.

Prevent a house fire

Did you know the winter months are some of the busiest months for the Calgary Fire Department? With everyone using more heating appliances, lighting and decorations, candles and doing more cooking, the risk of a house fire increases.

To share important fire prevention and safety information, we've put together a short video with tips to help you stay safe over this holiday season.


Just a reminder, never leave cooking and candles unattended. More tips on home safety.

Prevent accidental 9-1-1 calls

Every day, Public Safety Communications responds to about 300 pocket dial calls. It takes between 30 seconds to 10 minutes to call back each pocket dial to ensure it is not an emergency and everything is okay. And if we can’t get a hold of the person by phone, we dispatch police to the location to see if there is an issue. This costs Calgarians $1 million each year.

So what can you do? Prevent accidental calls: lock and store your phone carefully. If you do accidentally call 9-1-1, please stay on the line.

Submitted by the communications team, Community Services and Protective Services

Watch opening ceremonies for new Windsor Park fire station

Join Fire Chief Ken Uzeloc and Councillor Brian Pincott as they officially open the new Windsor Park Fire Station 11 (5506 4 Street S.W.) tomorrow, Dec. 10 at 10:30 a.m.

See a Calgary Fire Department truck helping to cut the ribbon for the new station.

Live streaming of the ceremony starts at 10:30 a.m.

Family-friendly activities

Chief Uzeloc and Councillor Pincott will celebrate with community members of all ages. Kids from the community can take part in craft activities, learn fire prevention and safety tips, and meet Sparky the dog. Everyone is welcome to check out the new station, meet the captain and crew, and see a display of firefighting history from the Calgary Fire Department Museum Society.

Bigger and better-equipped station

The new fire station was needed to replace the original building which had been in service for more than 50 years and was too small to accommodate modern firefighting vehicles and equipment. With three large bays and Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) gold level features, the new Windsor Park Fire Station is now operational and better equipped for emergency response.

The old station next door is being demolished to make way for community green space in the spring.

More information and a map showing the location of the Windsor Park Fire Station.

Submitted by Bridget Cox, Calgary Fire Department

Saddle Ridge Fire Station opens for community Nov. 15

Looking to meet Calgary firefighters and learn about fire prevention and safety? Come out to our Calgary Fire Department community open house on Saturday, Nov. 15 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

This Saturday, the Calgary Fire Department will be hosting an open house at Saddle Ridge Fire Station 32 (800 Saddletowne Cir. N.E.).

Come and visit with the crew, try on some firefighter gear, and learn what it’s like to be behind the wheel of a fire truck!

Join the station captain, his crew, Sparky the mascot and community leaders for a day filled with entertainment and hands-on learning for the whole family.

Activities will include:

• Fire station tours with the captain and crew
• Meet Sparky the dog, the Calgary Fire Department mascot 
• Interested teens can learn about the Calgary Fire Department Fire Cadet program
• Live fire extinguisher practice—can you put out the fire?
• Historical fire truck display 
• Balloon animals and face-painting for kids
• Animal & Bylaw Services Animal Rescue vehicle
• Calgary Police Service vehicles
• And much more!

For more information and updates, join our Facebook event.

Submitted by Danielle Vlemmiks, Calgary Fire Department

How to keep your family safe from carbon monoxide

As the weather gets colder, Calgarians are turning on more appliances that can cause carbon monoxide (CO) to build up in homes.

To help everyone stay safe this winter, the Calgary Fire Department is joining Alberta’s Office the Fire Commissioner and ATCO Gas to promote Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week , Nov. 2 to 8, 2014 and share important safety tips.

Simple steps can be taken to help keep your family safe from CO gas, such as:

• Ensure fuel-burning appliances, chimneys and vents are cleaned and inspected by professionals every year before cold weather sets in.
• Ensure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, fireplace and other fuel-burning applicances are always clear of snow and other debris.
• Never use the stove or oven to heat your home.
• Ensure all portable fuel-burning heaters are vented properly, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 
• If you, or anyone in the house, experience symptoms of CO poisoning or your CO alarm goes off, leave the house immediately and call 9-1-1.

“CO gas can be very dangerous. It is colourless, odourless and deadly,” said Calgary Fire Department Public Information Officer Carol Henke.

The symptoms of CO gas poisoning are similar to the flu, including headaches, nausea and dizziness as well as confusion, drowsiness, loss of consciousness and, in cases of prolonged exposure, death.


In 2013, the Calgary Fire Department received more than 1,800 calls related to carbon monoxide. During the cold months, including November, December and January, the highest number of CO calls were received, making up 33 per cent of the annual total.

More information on CO safety.

Submitted by Bridget Cox, Calgary Fire Department

The City of Calgary and partners come together for Halloween safety

Halloween is a fun time of year – with costumes, pumpkin carving, parties, and trick-or-treating. To help Calgary families prepare for the fun-filled night of spookiness The City of Calgary has partnered with Calgary’s Child Magazine and Shaw TV to help promote Halloween safety. 

Together, the Partners for Safety will be out on Halloween night between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. in more than 800 marked vehicles, including police cars, fire trucks, bylaw vehicles, ambulances and Shaw TV vans. These vehicles will be on patrol to provide a safe contact for any child in need of help. 

Trick-or-treaters can also visit any Calgary fire station or talk with a Calgary Transit bus driver if they need assistance or help. 

Safety tips for trick-or-treaters

• Keep an eye open for trick-or-treaters when driving on Oct. 31. 
• Choose or make Halloween costumes which allow your trick-or-treater to see clearly. 
• Avoid costumes that are too loose and could choke, tangle or trip, and ensure costumes are made of bright, reflective material.
• Always find out where your trick-or-treaters are going and when they will be home.
• Trick-or-treaters should remain in the doorway or on the doorstep, when trick-or treating. 
• Travel in groups and avoid short cuts through alleys, lanes or private property.
• Cross the street at intersections, after looking both ways to ensure it's safe to cross.
• Trick-or-treaters that are out after dark should carry a flashlight to help see and be seen.
• Check all Halloween treats before children eat them.

Decorating tips with safety in mind

• Use a flashlight or battery operated candle to light your jack-o-lantern. 
• If you do use a candle, do not leave the jack-o-lantern unattended and ensure it is well away from anything that may burn or cause it to be knocked over. 
• Keep exits clear of decorations. 
• Keep decorations, especially those that are highly flammable like dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper, away from open flames and heat sources including light bulbs and heaters. 

For more information, please visit www.calgary.ca/fire and follow the Partners for Safety on Facebook and Twitter. 

Submitted by Bridget Cox, Calgary Fire Department

Downtown residential buildings and businesses return to normal operations

Downtown residential buildings and businesses are returning to normal operations today, as ENMAX successfully restored power to the downtown core at 5 a.m. this morning.

The area has been dealing with power outages since Oct. 11, when an underground fire located at 8 Street and 5 Avenue SW resulted in power loss to about 1,900 metered customers in 112 residential and commercial buildings.

“What started as a fire in a manhole became a major utility upgrade, major road closures and an effort to ensure the public safety and housing for approximately 5,000 residents,” said Ken Uzeloc, CEMA Director. 

“The past five days, my colleagues at The City of Calgary and our partner agencies have worked night and day to ensure that Calgarians could get around our city and have access to support services they needed until their power was restored.”

Information for returning residents and businesses

• Re-entry checklists for returning residents, building owners/managers and commercial businesses are available on Calgary.ca.
• For information on troubleshooting your telephone, cable TV or Internet service contact Shaw.
• Citizens who require any additional social assistance support should contact 2-1-1.
• Spoiled food items that are securely bagged to prevent leaks can be discarded in your facility’s usual garbage collection bin. If that bin is full, contact your property manager for bin removal or emptying. City of Calgary collection schedules are not affected, and regular pickup will occur according to your normal schedule. Should you have questions regarding private garbage collection service, please contact your property manager.
• Citizens or business owners/operators with concerns about their building should contact their building operator.
• Now that power has been restored, the Information Centre at Mewata Armoury will be closed at 9 p.m. this evening.

The City would also like to thank citizens and businesses who offered lodging, food, supplies to those residents displaced in the outage.

As a reminder, power outages can happen at any time. The City encourages residents to develop their own 72 hour emergency kit for such instances. A list of what should be included in a 72 Hour Emergency Kit is available at Calgary.ca/cema.