Crews from Roads & Winter Maintenance are starting mechanical upgrades at Fire Station 1, located at 210 Water Street, on Monday, May 18, 2026. The work will last through late June and includes replacing the station's main heating units and updating the exhaust ventilation systems.
The upgrades are part of the City's ongoing efforts to improve building efficiency and keep our first responders comfortable during extreme weather. You may notice construction vehicles and equipment near the station entrance during weekday business hours.
Because the work requires trenching near the sidewalk and road edge, the City will close the west lane of Water Street between Albert Street and Church Street on select days. Traffic will be shifted to the east lane, and a flag person will manage traffic flow. Expect delays of up to ten minutes during peak morning and afternoon hours.
The City will post advance signage for each lane closure. We ask drivers to take alternate routes when possible and to stay alert for workers and equipment. Pedestrians can still access the sidewalk using the protected walkway.
If we wait for a full system failure, the cost and disruption are much higher, says Samuel Adeyemi, General Manager of Infrastructure and Planning. Getting ahead of these mechanical needs now means fewer emergency repairs and a more reliable building for the Fire Department.
The Fire Department will remain fully staffed and operational throughout the project. Emergency vehicles will use the rear gate access on Water Street to avoid the construction zone.
If you have questions about the work schedule or need to report a related issue, please visit our Roads & Winter Maintenance page. For real-time updates on lane closures, check our Service Alerts page.
Learn more about how we manage station facilities and plan for building repairs on the Fire Station 1 (Headquarters) page.
