A net-zero paramedic station is now under construction along Highway 401 in Scarborough, Ontario. At 90,000 square feet, the two-storey facility will house up to 40 ambulances and 20 emergency response vehicles once its complete in 2029.

The city broke ground on Toronto Paramedic Services Multi-Function Station 02 last week, with plans for a logistics and equipment services area, administrative offices, and a home for Toronto Paramedic Service’s Education and Development team.

Designed by Diamond Schmitt and gh3, the project, located at 300 Progress Ave, was developed using net-zero strategies as a direct response to the specific energy requirements of building type and site. There will be a mass-timber structure to reduce embodied carbon, an innovative solar wall, geothermal heating, and a photovoltaic roofscape that is anticipated to generate more than 1,000,000 kilowatt-hours annually to completely offset the building’s electricity demand.

Combined with an all-electrical mechanical system, triple pane glazed windows, high-thermal resistance walls and roofing, the facility aims to meet the city’s net zero standards. “For some, net zero is an aspiration—not a literal fact, but not so for Station 02,” said Michael Leckman, principal at Diamond Schmitt. “With rooftop PV which makes as much energy as the building consumes, and its dramatic south-facing solar wall that preheats cold winter air, Station 02 is truly a Net Zero Energy Building.”

“As our city continues to grow, and the demands on our Service increase, this new multi-function station reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation and improved emergency response to Toronto’s residents and visitors,” said Toronto Paramedic Services Chief Bikram Chawla.

The project previously earned an Award of Merit from the 2021 Canadian Architect Awards for its innovative, net-zero carbon and energy design.