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In 2013, budget cuts silenced the blaring sirens originating from Fire Station 424 on Runnymede Road just south of Annette in Toronto's West End. While the community worried about the possible impact on response times, the closure also sparked concern over the future of the building, which had prominently stood at 462 Runnymede Road since 1927. A crucial component of the neighbourhood's established urban fabric, there was a sense of optimism that one day, fire crews and trucks would proudly and permanently return to the venerable institution. That ultimate goal was one step closer to reality on Wednesday, when the shuttered station was reopened by City of Toronto Fire Services, albeit with a renewed purpose.
The building's primary function will now be to house a new office site for the Public Education Division, with a captain and six fire and life safety public educators stationed at the property. The station is also fully equipped to house an in-service operations firefighting crew at any point. "This provides us with an enhanced ability to maintain effective and efficient service to the community during periods of renovation and repair in the surrounding fire stations," said Interim Fire Chief Matthew Pegg, who joined Ward 13 (Parkdale-High Park) Councillor Sarah Doucette and a throng of celebratory guests in officially reopening the facility. "It also provides us with the ability to assign crews to this station on an as-required basis during major emergencies or large-scale public events."
Echoing the sentiment of the community, Doucette hopes the station will one day return to its historic roots and become a permanent fire hall. But seeing the facility once again pumping with life may be enough to allay fears that the historic brick building will be neglected, and eventually, sink into a decrepit state.
"Fire Station 424 will play a key role in our continuing commitment to public education, fire prevention and emergency response," said Pegg. "I'm very happy to say that seven members of our Fire Prevention and Public Education Division are now stationed here in this newly renovated and beautiful facility. From this station, our public educators will work closely with local community groups, organizations, schools, businesses and individuals to continue to educate and train our residents in fire safety."
The reopening is particularly timely as the City marks Fire Prevention Week from October 9 to 15. This year's theme— Don't wait - check the date! Replace smoke alarms every 10 years —was promoted at the ribbon-cutting event. Fire Prevention Week will culminate Saturday with finale festivities at The Toronto Fire and Paramedic Training Centre at 895 Eastern Avenue, where attendees can indulge in free food and drinks and a range of fire safety activities.
