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Firefighters Prepare to Begin the 2026 Firefighter Stairclimb Challenge at Brookfield Place in Calgary on Sunday. (Image Credit: Wellspring Alberta/Jillian Faulkner Photography)
$368k raised to Support Albertans Living

Firefighters across Alberta, including Medicine Hat area, take part in Stairclimb Challenge

Jun 15, 2026 | 1:35 PM

More than 500 firefighters and first responders climbed 57 storeys to the top of Brookfield Place in Calgary on Sunday, raising more than $368,000 for Albertans living with cancer.

Participants tackled 1,370 stairs while carrying 40-pound breathing apparatus tanks as part of the 2026 Firefighter Stairclimb Challenge in support of Wellspring Alberta.

Firefighters from communities across Alberta and other jurisdictions took part, alongside members of the Calgary Police Service and community leaders.

Cypress County firefighter Jeff Harvey was among the participants.

He completed the climb in memory of his father, who died of cancer in 2022, and in honour of the many family members and friends whose lives have been touched by the disease.

“Losing my dad to cancer changed our family forever,” Harvey said in a statement.

“Taking part in the Stairclimb is one way I can honour him while helping other families find the support they need through organizations like Wellspring Alberta.”

Since launching in 2015, the annual fundraiser has generated more than $3.3 million for Wellspring Alberta, which provides free support programs for people living with cancer, caregivers and their families.

Programs that help address the emotional, social, practical, and physical challenges of cancer that often continue long after treatment ends.

“Today’s climb is a powerful reminder that firefighters don’t just show up in emergencies; they show up for their communities every day,” Wellspring Alberta CEO Joanne Aime said in a statement on Sunday.

“Every step climbed, and every dollar raised helps ensure that Albertans living with cancer, along with their caregivers and families, can access the support they need, free of charge, at one of the most difficult times in their lives.”

Wellspring Alberta will also share a portion of participant fundraising proceeds with the Firefighters Assistance Charitable Society (FACS), supporting wellness, resilience, and mental health initiatives within the firefighter community.

Organizers say donations from this year’s event will continue to be accepted through the end of June.

Full results and climb times of all the participants can be found at calgarystairclimb.com.

Also participating from the Cypress County Emergency Services were Grayson Cloutier, Keith Fisher, James Fus, Austin Leader, Jason Linton, Joshua Rieger, and Meghan Wilson.

Renee Grigat represented Medicine Hat Fire and Emergency Services.

Also from Medicine Hat were four individuals with the Methanex Emergency Response Team: Chris Johnston, Ian McLean, Paul Mulrooney, and Taylor Pollock.

Another individual listed from Medicine Hat was Krista Weiss.