Residents can get behind the scenes of some of the city’s key departments on May 24 and 26.
On May 24, the public works department will open the doors at 7 Chevigny Street for an open house from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“There’s going to be all sorts of displays,” said Dan Rites, director of public works.
Public works equipment will be available for viewing, and in some cases attendees can even climb into the machines for a closer look. Personnel will be on hand to chat as well.
There will also be some woodworking workshops for kids and parents to build things like bird or bat houses.
Rites said there will be some free soft drinks and hot dogs for those stopping by, as well as some giveaways.
The event happens every second year since it involves some extra effort from the public works department at a busy time of year.
The event is being held as part of National Public Works Week.
“We’re really going to use it to energize and educate the public on the importance and the contributions of public works to their daily lives,” Rites said.
Just a couple days later, on May 26, St. Albert Fire and Emergency Services will be offering the chance to take a closer look at the city’s emergency medical services operation by way of their own open house.
Part of EMS Week, Fire Station No. 3, located at 100 Giroux Road, will open up from 7 to 9 p.m.
“This is our second annual open house,” said Les David Mroz, the city’s fire prevention and safety officer.
The city operates two ambulances as part of a recently renewed contract with Alberta Health Services to provide EMS in the St. Albert area.
Mroz said they’ve picked a Monday evening to have the open house because there are so many other events happening on the weekend.
EMS services in St. Albert have a long history here.
“We’re one of the first paramedic services in Alberta going back to the late ’70s, so there’s a lot of history of pre-hospital care,” Mroz said.
Attendees can meet St. Albert Fire and Emergency Services staff, check out the ambulances and other medical equipment and there will be a bouncy castle for the kids.
While the event is at a firehall, Mroz pointed out the focus this time is on the emergency medical side of things.
“We find that most young kids are always fascinated coming to the firehall, and this just gives them an opportunity to see it’s not just the fire apparatus that we operate but also the two ambulances for the city,” Mroz said.
Public Works Open House
May 24, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.<br />Public Works Jack Kraft Facility <br />7 Chevigny Street
EMS Week Open House
May 26, 7 to 9 p.m., Fire Station No. 3, 100 Giroux Road
