The Runnymede fire hall, also known as Fire Hall 424, is a fire hall in Runnymede, Toronto, operated by Toronto Fire Services from 1928 to 2014.[1][2][3][4][5][6] Then-mayor Rob Ford ordered the fire hall shut down, as a cost-saving measure. Toronto Fire Services repurposed the heritage structure, and reopened it as a public education center, on October 13, 2016.[7][8]
Recommendations that the fire hall be closed had been offered since at least 1987.[6] Ford first attempted to have the station closed in 2012, but it received a brief reprieve, in 2013. The closure stirred controversy, with local residents concerned over slower response times from more distant fire halls.[1][2]
The fire hall's architecture was considered sufficiently iconic for it to be considered a heritage structure, worthy of preservation.[9] On October 13, 2016, the historic structure was reopened, in a public ceremony — but as a fire education centre, not an active fire station.[8][7] While it will be capable of operating a fire engine, no engine will be stationed there. Instead, a fire captain and six fire educators will conduct fire safety outreach.
Local councilor, Sarah Doucette, celebrated its re-opening.[8][7] She echoed the views of local residents who regretted it had not been restored to fully operational status.
While the area residents are not sure how fire response times to their homes will be affected, they say the station itself is a beloved part of the area.
Residents who live near the west-end station say they are worried that response times will be slower due to the closure.
'They haven't said anything in the neighbourhood,' said Megan Corey, who also lives on Lincoln. She knew the city was considering a closure but says she wasn't told in advance when it was going to happen. She said she's disappointed that the station closed.
At the very least, Parkdale-High Park Councillor Sarah Doucette said in a previous interview with the Villager she managed to save the building itself from closure. Instead, Toronto Fire Services will operate the building for fire prevention and education.
Before it closed at 7 a.m. Monday, someone attempting to pin the blame on Mayor Rob Ford attached signs reading "Closed by Rob Ford" on the fire hall's bay doors. The signs were later removed by the district chief. Outside, the Canadian flag was flying upside down.[dead link]
'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.'
On Wednesday, it reopened as an office site for the fire department's public education division. In its new form the station will be home to a captain and six fire safety educators, the city said in a release Wednesday.
Currently on their radar is Fire Station 424 on Runnymede Road, built in 1929, which narrowly escaped closure earlier this year.
Media related to Toronto Fire Station 424 at Wikimedia Commons43°39′30″N 79°28′47″W / 43.65835°N 79.47963°W / 43.65835; -79.47963
