TAMRMS#: B06
11.1
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Fire Training Facility
Notice given by: Councillor Hughes
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PROPOSED MOTION(S):
recommendation
That administration includes in the 2027 budget a project charter for a fire training facility, including build and operating costs and a realistic revenue potential for cost recovery through rentals to other municipalities in Alberta, and the cost savings from not needing our firefighters to train at outside facilities.
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ADMINISTRATION’S UNDERSTANDING OF THE INTENT OF THE MOTION
If this motion is approved, Administration will prepare a capital project charter for the full build out of a fire training facility, including revenue potential. This charter will be added to the 2027-2036 Growth Capital Plan and prioritized with all other Growth Capital Charters. The revised 2027-2036 Municipal Growth Plan would then be included in the 2027-2029 Business Plan and Budget along with funding recommendations guided by the Capital Prioritization Matrix.
ADMINISTRATION’S RECOMMENDATION
That Council pass the motion provided in Alternative 1.
PURPOSE OF REPORT
The purpose of this report is to present a motion for which Councillor Hughes gave notice on December 16, 2025.
ALIGNMENT TO COUNCIL DIRECTION OR MANDATORY STATUTORY PROVISION
On May 2, 2022 Council passed the following motion:
CB-22-030
That FIRE-033 Fire Training Facility be removed from the 2023-32 Municipal Growth Capital Plan provided as an attachment to the May 2, 2022 agenda report entitled “10 Year Growth Plan Removals” (the “Growth Plan”).
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
In 2020, Council added Capital Charter FIRE-033 - Fire Training Facility, to the 10 Year Growth Capital plan. This Charter identified an opportunity to build a Fire Training facility that was approximately 14,000 sq/ft on a 4 acres property. The intent was to essentially build and operate a new facility that would meet the training needs of St. Albert Fire Services in an effort to reduce the risk of not meeting National Fire Protection Association standards related to live fire training, reduce overtime and create operational efficiencies for a growing community and fire service.
The Charter identified 4 four phases, with the first phase being a $100,000 feasibility study and preliminary design.
In 2023, prior to the feasibility study being completed, Council removed the Charter from the 10 Year Capital Growth Plan. The removal of the plan at that time was in alignment with Administration as it had been identified that there was a need for further review related to the assumptions made within the original Charter to ensure that it accurately reflected the costs, options and opportunities. This included but was not limited to potentially partnering with other municipalities to build a regional training facility, the operating impact and the availability of training equipment including apparatus dedicated to training to ensure that front line equipment is not taken out of service.
The 2020 Capital Charter had estimated a total capital funding need of approximately $4.8M dollars. This estimate identified a (+/- 35% variance) and assumed that land did not need to be purchased, was serviced and available. The Charter also identified that there was a market with other surrounding municipalities that could generate some revenue for renting out the space with rates that would range from $500 to $2000 per rental day.
The review of the original assumptions and current costs as well as opportunities has not been undertaken to date. Administration anticipates that new estimated costs will be significantly higher due to increases in construction, inflation, and land availability. To provide Council with all the information necessary to make an informed decision, Administration would require time and funding to work with a consultant to complete a feasibility study that would look at all aspects including but not limited to potential locations, annual operating and equipment costs as well as realistic revenue projections in addition to what opportunities there may be to partner with other municipalities.
In the meantime, St Albert continues to rely on and pay for live fire training space that is operated by the Cities of Edmonton and Spruce Grove. Access to these external facilities are subject to scheduling constraints and competing regional demand. Future access and use is not guaranteed. St. Albert Fire Leadership is currently in discussion with the City of Edmonton on renewing its agreement on the use of their facility. As the community and fire service grows, the need for St. Albert to secure a live training facility will grow.
IMPACTS OF MOTION
Financial:
None at this time. This motion is for approval to add the charter into “10 Year Growth Plan” only. Administration will bring forward funding recommendations guided by the Capital Prioritization Matrix when the revised 2027-2036 Municipal Growth Plan is presented to Council in the 2027-2029 Business Plan and Budget.
Compliance & Legal:
None at this time
Program or Service:
With the interim Fire Services leadership that is currently in place, Administration does not believe there is capacity to complete the work described in the original motion to the level of detail and accuracy that would be required for Council to make an informed decision.
Organizational:
None at this time.
Risks
Should the original motion be passed, there will be risks associated with the accuracy of information and level of detail that can be provided.
ALIGNMENT TO PRIORITIES IN COUNCIL’S STRATEGIC PLAN
Not applicable.
ALIGNMENT TO LEVELS OF SERVICE DELIVERY
F.3.1 Emergency Medical Services
F.3.2 Fire Dispatch
F.3.3 Fire Prevention
F.3.4 Fire Response
ALTERNATIVES
If Council does not wish to support the proposed motion, Administration presents the following alternative for Council’s consideration.
Alternative 1:
That Administration be approved to spend up to $150,000 from the Stabilization Reserve, to complete and present a feasibility study to Council for further direction, related to potential facility locations, capital and operating costs, revenue as well as regional partnership opportunities for the construction and operation of a live fire training facility.
Financial:
Should this motion pass, $150,000 will be withdrawn from the stabilization reserve, which has sufficient funds.
Compliance & Legal:
None at this time.
Program or Service:
Providing funding now will provide Administration with the opportunity to start and plan work on this matter as soon as internal capacity allows. Administration would endeavor to begin this work in 2026 and present the findings to Council in 2027.
Organizational:
None at this time.
Risks
Administration has not reviewed the costs for a feasibility study of this scope and nature, in any depth, therefore the estimated $150,000 cost may not accurately reflect the funding required. Should the amount be more than what is needed, any residual funds would be returned to the stabilization reserve. Should the funding be insufficient, administration will be required to pause the work and come back to Council for a change in scope or increase in funding.
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Report Date: January 27, 2026
Author: Aaron Giesbrecht / Dan Lemieux
Department: Emergency Services
Department Director: Dan Lemieux
Managing Director: Diane McMordie
Chief Administrative Officer: William Fletcher