June 18, 2025 Story by Ty Dilello published by the Winnipeg Sun
Station 9 in Windsor Park was officially commissioned on Wednesday morning. The new $16-million fire-paramedic station at 1083 Autumnwood Dr. replaces two older facilities and features green infrastructure, improved response capabilities, and expanded space for emergency crews. (Photo credit: City of Winnipeg)
The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service’s newly built Station 9 in Windsor Park was officially commissioned Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in the city’s plan to modernize and consolidate emergency services.
Located at 1083 Autumnwood Dr., the new $16-million facility replaces the former Windsor Park station at the same address and absorbs operations from the nearly 70-year-old Station 9 at 864 Marion St.
“Station 9 reflects a modern approach to emergency service: Strategic, efficient, and built to serve residents better,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “By consolidating services in one well-designed, green facility, we’re improving response times and making smart use of city resources.”
The station began responding to emergency calls in April and features five vehicle bays. It houses a fire engine and crew, a rescue unit, the hazardous materials team, a paramedic crew and ambulance, and a fire investigator. A fire/rescue supervisor is also stationed at the site.
The upgraded facility is part of the 2020 WFPS Master Plan, which calls for fewer, more strategically placed stations to improve service delivery and response times across Winnipeg.
“This new station is just one more way we’re ensuring we set our service, and our City, up for success,” said WFPS Chief Christian Schmidt. “Consolidating two stations into one larger, more efficient station is just one more way we’re meeting our City’s evolving needs.”
Beyond improved emergency response, Station 9 is also designed with environmental sustainability in mind. The building meets LEED Silver standards and includes features such as geothermal ground-source heating and cooling, high-efficiency lighting, low-flow plumbing fixtures, and energy recovery ventilators. It is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 98.6% compared to a conventional building of the same size.
“This station reflects the vision laid out in the WFPS Master Plan — one that prioritizes faster response times, smarter service delivery, and long-term sustainability,” said Vivian Santos, chair of the standing policy committee on community services.
The project received $3.7 million in funding from the federal government and an additional $140,962 from the Province of Manitoba through the Low Carbon Economy Fund.
City officials say new features like bifold bay doors — which open faster than traditional overhead doors — will shave 15 seconds off response times for each vehicle departure. The facility also includes a training room, air compressor, and landscaping with 20 new trees and nearly 360 drought-resistant shrubs.
“This will better serve the residents of Windsor Park and surrounding communities,” said St. Boniface councillor Matt Allard. “Council is funding the 2020 WFPS Master Plan, and this station is a strong example of that investment in action.”