The City of St. John’s announces that the contract has been awarded to construct a new state-of-the-art fire station in the Goulds. 

Funded through a $12,705,832 investment from the Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF) Community stream, the facility will reduce operating and maintenance costs, deliver up to a 90% reduction in space heating energy demand, and achieve an estimated 30–40% reduction in total building ownership costs.

Located at 371 Main Road, the new Goulds Fire Station will provide firefighters with a modern, functional facility featuring three drive-through apparatus bays, kitchen and living areas, sleeping quarters, training facilities, and administrative space.

The station has been designed to Passive House Standard, a globally recognized, science-based energy standard. Passive House Design focuses on five key areas:

• High-performing insulation to reduce thermal bridging
• An airtight building envelope
• High-performance windows
• Heat recovery ventilation
• Passive solar heating and cooling

Currently, the St. John’s Regional Fire Department operates the Goulds Fire Station with career firefighters Monday to Friday until 4 p.m., with volunteer coverage in the evenings and weekends. With the opening of the new facility, service will expand to a full-time, 24/7 career firefighter operation. Goulds volunteer firefighters were informed of this change when the new station was first announced in 2019 and have been supportive of the transition.

Construction will begin immediately and is expected to be completed by January 2028 (subject to change). Impacts on traffic and pedestrians are expected to be minimal, though occasional delays may be required to support construction activities.

To track progress and ask questions about this project, visit the project page on EngageStJohns.ca. Residents and interested parties can also subscribe to receive the latest City news and advisories.

The Build Communities Strong Fund (BCSF) is a permanent source of funding that reaches communities across Canada to support investments in local infrastructure priorities that support the development of complete, inclusive and sustainable communities with affordable and accessible housing. From roads and buildings, to public transit and water treatment systems, reliable and modern infrastructure provides communities with opportunities to grow and develop today so that they can be resilient and strong in the face of tomorrow.

The City has a strategic direction to be a Sustainable City, economically, environmentally and financially. The Goulds Fire Station advances this direction by reducing operational and maintenance costs while reducing the City’s environmental footprint. It also aligns with the City’s Resilient St. John’s Community Climate Plan, aiming to reach net zero by 2050.

Quotes

“The awarding of a contract and beginning of construction is exciting to see, and moves us another step closer to having a state-of-the-art new firefighting station in the Goulds. The Government of Canada is proud to partner with the City of St. John’s to build our community strong and ensure that we have the essential infrastructure that we need, like the new Goulds Fire Station.”

- Paul Connors, Member of Parliament for Avalon

“The Provincial Government is committed to working with municipalities and provincial fire departments to strengthen emergency response capabilities and infrastructure. As Minister of Emergency Services, I welcome the announcement of this new, modern facility.”

- Honourable Pleaman Forsey, Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands

“On behalf of the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs, I am pleased to support this essential upgrade for the Goulds through the Build Communities Strong Fund. We are committed to helping communities throughout the province implement local solutions to meet their needs and create long-term benefits for their regions.”

- Honourable Chris Tibbs, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs 

“This new fire station will support fast, effective emergency response for residents in the Goulds and surrounding area. It ensures firefighters are well-equipped and supported to serve the community quickly and safely from a modern, efficient facility built for today and the future.”

- Danny Breen, Mayor of St. John’s