Tantalus Firehall
The Tantalus Firehall it is the first Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) Project for the District of Squamish. which replaced the existing firehall and RCMP station in this same location. This hall was designed to accommodate four-storeys of market-rental housing above, requiring the design team to integrate future proofing throughout the seismically sensitive design. This project is a successful example which demonstrates the potential of city owned land being developed to accommodate more than one community need - housing + protective services.
This project started as a feasibility study, which then grew into a larger masterplan for the redevelopment of Firehall #1 and #2. The recommended strategy to position Firehall #1 at Valleycliffe and Firehall #2 at Tantalus has resulted in the design of this satellite hall. This is one of the most challenging sites that JDa has encounter due to its narrow footprint, limited access, and clearances required for the new risk high tension power line that run across two-third of the site. Additional design constraints included the impact of the flood construction level (FCL) which required the main floor elevation to be set at 1.8m above the existing grade, the increased seismic requirements due to housing, and the tight site resulting in the need to use non-combustible materials.
The District of Squamish clearly defined climate action goals at the onset of the project. “Green House Gas emission (GHGe) management is paramount on all District builds: In 2030, emissions in the District will be reduced by at least 45% from 2010 levels, and we will be on track to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050”.
To do this, the project needed to reduce emissions from turn-key to end of building life and meet the relevant Energy Step Code requirements”. JDa worked directly with Squamish’s project leadership team and developed a plan to deliver a Net Zero Energy building design and pursue the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Green Municipal Fund for additional funding. Through this grant, the project was able to exceed the District’s Climate Legacy Strategy, while ensuring the future Housing addition would be seamlessly integrated into Firehall base building.
