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CTV News
25-06-2025
- General
- CTV News
Calgary's newest fire station also has housing and a park
The Varsity Multi-Service Centre, located at 3400 37 St. N.W. (City of Calgary handout/Artists' rendering) A new fire hall in the northwest community of Varsity has officially opened. The building, located at 3400 37 St. N.W., is not only a fire station, but also has residential housing and a park space. City officials say the Varsity Multi-Service Centre will strengthen emergency response to the community while also providing new housing options. 'This project is about building a resilient and inclusive community,' said Katie Black, general manager of community services, in a news release. 'We've brought together key services in one accessible location, while also adding much-needed housing.' Aside from a modernized fire station, the structure includes: 48 mixed-income housing units, including 11 barrier-free homes and several multi-generational family units; A household hazardous waste drop-off site; Flexible workspaces for city service teams operating in the community; and, A new parkette. 'Varsity Fire Station has served the community well for more than 50 years,' said Calgary Fire Chief Steve Dongworth. 'This new fire station will ensure we will be able to serve the community into the future as the community continues to grow and change.' Officials say the old fire facility will be demolished once the new fire station is fully operational. The site of the old fire hall will then be transformed into even more park space. Those interested in taking a look at the new facility can visit during an open house, from 1 to 4 pm. on Saturday, June 28. More information can be found on the City of Calgary's website.
CTV News
08-06-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Firefighters climb stairs at Brookfield Place to raise awareness and funds to fight cancer
One year ago Sunday, Tony Cianfarani, a member of the Stettler Fire Department, was in a bad place – in hospital, with Stage 3 colon cancer. 'I had very bad infection from the chemotherapy, and I was very close to actually dying,' Cianfarani said. 'I had a fever of 105. I spent three nights in the hospital, and I was on IV antibiotics.' Sunday, Cianfarani was one of 500 or so firefighters who climbed close to 1400 steps at Brookfield Place to raise funds to support Wellspring Alberta, an organization that helped him during his cancer treatment. 'I leaned on my firefighter family a lot when I was going through all this, and they were super supportive,' he said. 'I also leaned on Wellspring, and these programs are there for people like us, and definitely use them. 'Don't be scared to use them for sure.' Calgary fire chief Steve Dongworth was among the firefighters climbing stairs Sunday and said that cancer is a reality for firefighters. Steve Dongworth, June 8, 2025 Calgary fire chief Steve Dongworth participated in the Firefighter Stairclimb Challenge Sunday (Tyler Barrow, CTV Calgary) 'We have, you know, an ongoing toll of firefighters who pass away during due to occupational cancers.,' Dongworth said. 'We've had over 50 now in Calgary. It's unfortunately a number that keeps climbing. So there's a real recognition (that) the hazards of firefighting cause cause cancer, for sure.' Hundreds of firefighters from across Alberta, Canada and around the world joined the event Sunday to raise awareness and funds for Wellspring Alberta. And one of them was Cianfarani, one year to the day after nearly dying. 'it's just crazy that only a year later, I'm about to climb a skyscraper, and I'm in the best shape that I've been in in years since my 20s. 'So, yeah, it's just It's unbelievable that I'm actually here,' he added. 'And I don't think that the gravity of the of the events hit me yet, but I think when I get to the top of the stairs, it will. Dongworth took the challenge too –and finished the 57-floors of steps. 'It wasn't as much fun in the stairwell, but it's okay,' he said. 'It's a very great cause. It's great exercise. 'It's a great day.' All the support programs offered through Wellspring Alberta are free. For more about the Firefighter Stairclimb Challenge, go here. With files from CTV's Tyler Barrow
