Canmore Fire Station
Exposed timber framing and structural steel design define Canmore’s resilient new fire station.
Client: METAFOR
Location: Canmore, AB
Project Type: Buildings
About This Project
The Canmore Fire Station is a modern post-disaster facility designed to strengthen emergency response capabilities and meet the current and future needs of Canmore Fire-Rescue Services. Located along Palliser Trail, the new facility replaces the community’s previous fire hall, which was built in the late 1980s.
The approximately 18,800-square-foot, two-storey facility includes four apparatus bays and was designed with flexibility for future expansion along the east side of the building. ISL provided structural engineering services as a subconsultant to METAFOR, developing a structural system that balances functionality, resilience, and architectural expression.
The building incorporates a combination of structural materials tailored to the requirements of its different spaces. Conventional wood framing and pre-engineered trusses are used in concealed areas, while exposed long-span glulam beams and columns create a distinctive heavy timber expression. Structural steel was incorporated within the vehicle bays to accommodate the operational requirements of the facility.
As an essential emergency response facility, the fire station was designed to meet post-disaster building code requirements. ISL incorporated enhanced structural capacity and resilience to support continued functionality following a major event while providing a durable structure designed to serve the community for decades.
Key Features
- 18,000 sq. ft. post-disaster facility
- 4 emergency apparatus bays
- Exposed long-span glulam structure
- Hybrid timber and structural steel design
- Enhanced structural capacity and resilience
- Future expansion-ready design
