Several Calgary fire stations will be upgraded for privacy needs of an inclusive workforce

The new city budget includes money for upgrades to a number of Calgary fire stations so they can meet the privacy needs of a modern workforce.

Calgary Fire Department Chief Steve Dongworth said it's no longer acceptable that there aren't separate, private facilities in fire stations for men, women and non-binary employees.

"A number of our fire stations were constructed and opened in a different era," said Dongworth. "Many of them actually were constructed and designed at a time when there were no firefighters other than males."

It means that female firefighters or anyone seeking privacy in a washroom or a shower facility at some fire stations must lock the door to the entire washroom.

"That's a rudimentary level and not acceptable as far as we're concerned," said Dongworth.

He said there are approximately 50 women who work for the department as firefighters. The privacy issue with the facilities doesn't prevent them from being posted to any station.

The four-year budget approved by city council in November includes nearly $1.9 million for the fire department to do inclusion upgrades at five of its stations.

The list includes stations in Eau Claire, Briar Hill, Highfield, Ogden and Country Hills.

As well, Dongworth said the city's facility management group is going to do upgrades at other stations in the coming years. They include stations in Rosscarrock, Huntington Hills, Lincoln Park, Southview and Edgemont.

Three older fire halls are going to be replaced by new stations, so the chief said there's no point in upgrading washrooms or showers in those locations.

The budget notes the lack of modern facilities at some stations has been identified as "gender discrimination and a human rights issue."

Once the planned group of stations are upgraded, Dongworth said there will be only four stations remaining that are not properly equipped.

The Calgary Fire Department has 42 fire stations.