Community Celebrates North Star Grand Opening and Fire Station 5 Open House
BRFA launches Fire Prevention Week with lithium-ion safety focus and a look inside Station 5
The Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority (BRFA) officially opened the North Star Emergency Services Centre—home to Fire Station 5, EMS, and 911 dispatch—during a community open house that doubled as the kickoff to Fire Prevention Week.
The evening began with a solemn tribute as attendees observed a moment of silence for Captain Peter Neufeld (Station 3 – Glendon). Members wore a mourning band across the crest in his honour.
“This facility represents our commitment to public safety and the people who make it possible every day,” said Darren Sandbeck, BRFA Chief Administrative Officer, welcoming the crowd.
This year’s theme: lithium-ion batteries
Beck confirmed the 2025 Fire Prevention Week theme: “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-ion batteries in your home.” The message centres on safe use, charging, storage, and disposal of batteries found in everyday items—phones, e-bikes, tools, and toys—with practical, household takeaways shared throughout the tours and demos.
“It’s about prevention,” added the Regional Chief of Emergency Services, Alicia Krawchuk, who thanked volunteers, dispatchers, paramedics and firefighters for their service and emphasized the advantage of housing administration, fire, EMS, and 911 under one roof for faster, better-coordinated response.
Leaders, stories, and a ribbon cutting
Dignitaries on hand included MLA Scott Cyr, Town of Bonnyville Mayor and BRFA Board Chair Elisa Brosseau, and MD of Bonnyville Reeve and BRFA Vice-Chair Barry Kalinski, alongside municipal councillors and CAOs.
Cyr tied the new hub to the region’s wildfire challenges and praised volunteers’ professionalism; Brosseau called North Star “a new era of effectiveness,” and Kalinski shared a local history moment about the first ambulance in the area—underscoring how far regional collaboration has come.
The evening wrapped with an official ribbon cutting, cake, and guided tours through the bays, training spaces, and the dispatch centre.
Community contributions & thanks
Sponsors supporting the event included Dairy Queen, Bonnyville Wholesale Club, Hamels Bonnyville Meat Market, B&R Eckles Transport, MagnetSigns, and ThinkWorks Creative.
Officials also recognized municipal partners and community contributors (including representatives from the Summer Village) who helped outfit equipment for frontline care.
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