Our Facility

FESTI is a World Leader in Green Design and Technology

In 1999, GTAA project managers were given the objective to create a revolutionary fire and emergency services training facility that uses globally accepted environmentally friendly building standards. In February 2007, the GTAA achieved this goal by completing the $13.5 million state-of-the-art training facility, designed by Kleinfeldt Mychajilowycz Architects, and were awarded the Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) Silver Rating. The LEED Green Building Rating System™ is a nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. The structure not only provides a healthy place to live and work, it reduces waste sent to landfills, conserves energy and water and reduces harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

Some of the Institute’s distinctive sustainable design features include a solar wall, which enhances air handling unit performance by providing “free” solar heated air induction. A Termodec in-slab air distribution system reduces peak energy use via concrete slabs that store excess building heat for later use or rejection. Classrooms are located below an extensive green roof system that allows for improved temperature control in all seasons.

Water saving initiatives include waterless urinals and tankless water heaters. Materials used during the construction were sourced from the closest possible suppliers and recycled building material was used as aggregate prior to paving. Other materials were selected based on post-industrial recycled content and low organic compound emissions.

Another demonstration of FESTI’s environmental stewardship is the Institute’s ISO 14001 certification since 1999. ISO 14001 specifies requirements that provide a framework for an Environmental Management System (EMS) to prevent pollution and promote continual improvement controls.

Amenities

The Institute is innovative both in its consolidation of education and practical aids for fire and emergency services training and in its approach to environmentally responsible design.

FESTI features a combination of indoor classrooms with outdoor practical training structures built adjacent to the main facility. The well appointed classrooms have all the amenities necessary to do any type of training. Four 20-person classrooms are available with one fully computerized lab for Fire Prevention and Incident Command Training. The Institute has a fully equipped 64-person theatre with tiered seating and the option of a divider wall to make two smaller theatres. There is a core assembly area and breakout space adjacent to the main facility. In addition to the complimentary use of a full kitchen, food services are also provided through a cafeteria.

Outdoor Training Structures

One the Institute’s most unique features is the 48,000 m² practical training area which encompasses state-of-the-art training mock-ups, including the following structures:

Confined Spaces Building

The Confined Space Building is built aboveground but simulates rescue in a manhole below street level. Trainees enter from the top while staircases and doors at each of the three levels create a safety net for immediate evacuation or medical treatment if necessary.

The Rescue Tower

This five-story structure allows instructors to simulate multiple emergency response scenarios such as interior search and high-rise firefighting. The rescue tower is also used in aerial platform training, technical rope rescue and ladder-training. The building has a smoke room that directs simulated smoke to either a section of the tower or throughout the building to enhance training scenarios. The dense smoke is generated from a water based product, making it safe for training and education purposes.

The Burn Building

Trainees experience real fire conditions up to 900 degrees Fahrenheit in this intensely supervised and remotely monitored setting. The design of the Burn Building has incorporated “sacrificial” masonry panels and other innovations that allow the structure to withstand the trauma of training without structural failure.

Aircraft Training Mock-Ups

Our aircraft mock-ups are propane operated, which offers realistic training and satisfies our commitment to environmental protections. There are two mock-ups situated on a large manoeuvring area that allow vehicle operations during training sessions.

Auto Extrication Area

Our auto extrication area allows the instructors to educate using challenging motor vehicle training scenarios in a safe environment. The area is spacious and can support heavy extrication scenarios such as tractor trailers or school bus extrication.

Hazardous Materials Training site

The Hazmat training site is located close to the main campus and is spread out over a 15-acre site. The special operations training site includes the following features to simulate realistic scenarios:

• transport trucks
• busses
• rolling terrain
• an out-building to simulate HAZMAT storage facilities

Location

The facility is located at 2025 Courtneypark Drive in Mississauga, at the western end of Toronto Pearson International Airport. It spans 2,804 m2 and can accommodate 160 students and staff. For more information on our programs or space availability, contact us at (416) 776-5997.