East Olds Revitalization: Unused Fire Hall Transforms into Hub for Three Vital Community Organizations

Olds, Alta. April 24, 2024 – The Town of Olds is pleased to announce that Town Council is supporting a new home for three community organizations. The former town fire hall, located at 4829 50 Street, will be converted into a space that will house the Mountain View Food Bank, the Olds and District Hospice Society, and the Community Lending Shelf. Each group has outgrown their current accommodations and repurposing an underutilized Town building is a win-win for the town, these service groups, and the community. 

At it’s meeting on April 22nd, Council directed administration to negotiate a long-term lease where the Town will retain ownership of the building with the organizations assuming responsibility for operations and maintenance. 

Mayor Judy Dahl stated “Town Council is always looking for ways to support volunteer organizations that do valuable work in Olds and region. This project not only accomplishes that but allows us to revitalize an unused space and keep East Olds vibrant and community oriented.”

A bit about these organizations: 

• Mountain View Food Bank serves citizens in all communities of Mountain View County. With over 40 volunteers contributing thousands of hours of volunteer work annually to help those in need. The Food Bank provides a critical service that cannot be overstated. 
  Contact: Tayva Graham, Chairperson: tayvagraham@gmail.com
• Olds and District and Hospice Society is an organization dedicated to making a meaningful impact on individuals and families navigating end-of-life journeys. Since 2007, a dedicated group of volunteers, staff, and health care professionals have made immeasurable impacts to those patients and loved ones approaching death.  
  Contact: Mary Marshall, Executive Director: ed@hospiceolds.com
• The Community Lending Shelf is an entirely volunteer run organization that provides clothing, free of charge, to adults and children in need. Programs such as Dress for Success and Coats for Everyone have been robustly support through donations and widely utilized by residents and newcomers to Olds and region. 
  Contact: Lucinda Watkins, Board Member: lucindal19@hotmail.com

The former fire hall was vacated in 2021 following the construction of the town Operations Centre. Efforts to sell the former fire hall were unsuccessful, largely owing to underground environmental liabilities and zoning changes that made the building unsuitable for common industrial uses, like a mechanic or auto body shop. 

Media Contact:

Jillian Toellner
Supervisor – Engagement & Communications
Town of Olds
communications@olds.ca
403-507-4857

View the Press Release as a PDF