Here stands Toronto Fire Station 227. It is more than just a building of brick and mortar. This fire station is a testament to community and service.
Toronto Fire Station 227, also known as the Kew Beach Fire Hall, has stood at 1904 Queen St E since 1905. The residents of Kew Beach requested a permanent fire hall for years. Finally, the city allocated funds for its construction.
The City Architect’s Department, under Robert McCallum, designed it. Its architecture combines Queen Anne Revival and Flemish Renaissance styles. Red brick contrasts with pale stone trim. A crow-step gable adds to its unique look.
Originally known as Fire Station No. 17, the building had a single bay. An 80-foot tower allowed firefighters to hang hoses to dry. Due to budget constraints, clock faces were not added to the tower until 1912.
Imagine the scene. A team with a captain, lieutenant, driver, and firefighters stood ready. They used a two-horse hose wagon. Their responsibility stretched from De Grassi St to Victoria Park Ave.
In the early 1960s, Toronto Fire Station 227 expanded. A single-story bay was added to accommodate an aerial truck. This addition also required more staff.
By 2009, the century-old station needed significant repairs. A restoration project began, costing over $2 million. It took two years to complete. The exterior was returned to its original glory. New paint, mortar, and brickwork revitalized the historic façade.
Interestingly, during the foundation’s construction, builders poured a lot of concrete. They discovered an underground stream was sweeping it away. Builders had to dig to bedrock to secure the base.
For over 115 years, the firefighters of Toronto Fire Station 227 have served The Beaches. They respond to fires, medical emergencies, and rescues. They handle various emergency and non-emergency calls. The area they cover is from Coxwell Ave to Fallingbrook Rd.
Before Toronto Fire Station 227, a volunteer fire company protected the area. In 1891, 20 men formed the Kew Beach Volunteer Fire Company. They operated from a fire hall near Queen St E and Lee Ave.
In 1896, the volunteers built a new fire hall on Queen St E. The city gave them $8 a month for expenses. They organized concerts and parties to raise funds for equipment.
During the Great Fire of Toronto in 1904, the volunteer company earned high praise. Soon after, the city started building the historic Kew Beach Fire Hall. The Toronto Fire Department then took over fire protection.
Toronto Fire Station 227 is one of the oldest working fire stations in the city. Firefighters still use the tower to dry hoses. A firefighter climbs a high platform. They lower a rope with a hook. Then, they pull up the wet hoses to dry.
Toronto Fire Station 227 stands as a proud landmark. It was included on Heritage Toronto’s initial induction list in 1973. It’s more than a fire station. It’s a symbol of dedication. It represents the unwavering commitment to protect and serve.