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Westminster details $147 million capital package for fire stations, seeks phased funding and URA support
Summary
Fire and public works staff presented updated cost estimates to replace and add fire stations, modernize existing facilities and build a training tower, totaling roughly $147 million in capital costs and an estimated $9 million per year in operating and CIP funding to phase construction.
Westminster's fire and public works leaders presented council with updated cost estimates for a multi‑year package of fire infrastructure needs that city staff and the fire chief said are required to close two identified service gaps.
Chief Eric Burke and city staff described proposed projects that include Fire Station 8 (northern gap), Fire Station 7 and a paired central training center, full replacements of Fire Stations 3 and 4, modernization of multiple stations (Station 1 a priority), and a relocated/rebuilt training tower. Staff said the estimates presented to council include land acquisition, off‑site infrastructure and equipment, fixtures, furnishings and apparatus.
Staff summarized capital estimates across all fire projects at about $147,000,000 and said an illustrative operating/CIP funding ramp of roughly $9,000,000 per year would allow the city to design, build and place the assets into service while phasing operating hires and equipment purchases. The city estimated the cost of a new fire engine at about $1,250,000 and noted one‑time outfitting and turnout gear per firefighter as additional capital needs. Staff also identified additional operating costs (facility operations, fleet maintenance, training and personnel) that will accompany new stations and apparatus.
Chief Burke explained the service‑gap rationale: a northern gap and a central gap could be addressed only by placing full fire stations in the identified areas. Staff said some sites for Station 7 are already city‑owned in the Promenade/downtown area and would be good candidates pending final site designation and any required land swaps.
Why it matters: City emergency response and insurance ratings can be affected by station location and response times. Staff told council that gap closures, replacements and a training center are capital‑intensive and that the timing of hiring, apparatus procurement and construction should be staged to manage operating impacts. Staff estimated design and construction will typically take 2–3 years to open a new station after funding and land are secured.
What happens next: Staff asked council to consider a mix of funding tools, including using frontage/URA (urban renewal area) resources for Station 8, and to weigh phased approaches discussed in the workshop. Council requested more detailed phasing options and clarified that staff should continue to analyze operating impacts and staging.
