Muskoka Lakes is reviewing the location of their fire stations

The Township of Muskoka Lakes is currently reviewing the options for the Fire Station locations, through a Fire Station Location Study with consultants, Emergency Management Group. The results of this study are intended to serve as information to inform asset management planning, improve service delivery and provide data for a Level of Service Study. 

“At this point in the project we are soliciting feedback from the public respecting the three options presented to Committee,” said Fire Chief Ryan Murrell. “Public input is a key part of this process.”

These sessions are designed to inform the public about the locations in use today, explore the options presented and most importantly receive information to inform a final report.

Two public feedback sessions are scheduled for June 17^th and June 19^th.

• Monday June 17, 2024 – 6:00 pm – Bala Community Centre, 1008 Maple Avenue, Bala,
• Wednesday June 19, 2024 – 6:00 pm – Township of Muskoka Lakes Municipal Office, 1 Bailey Street, Port Carling or Online using this Zoom link.  

The Fire Station location study is intended to provide fire response model options for the community to consider, the most recent phase 2 report was received by Committee and the following concerns were cited:

• Eight of the ten existing fire stations in the Township will be over the 40 year service life in the next 10 years.
• Most fire stations in Muskoka Lakes require health and safety improvements to meet current regulations.
• The existing fire station sites offer overlap in response coverage.
• Space and Storage requirements are the most cited issue for all the buildings, causing the Township to purchase custom vehicles to fit the fire stations and park some vehicles in temporary shelters.

The most recent phase 2 report concerning the Fire Station Locations study offers three options to be considered by Committee. Option one is status quo of ten stations, options two is a seven station model that builds off of previous recommendations, and option three is an optimal response model of five new sites. All of these options have timelines to implement up to 30 years in the future, this study is intended to maintain the high quality fire protection response that the community expects while balancing investment in physical assets required to meet the service level commitments.

This next step of the Fire Station Location Study is seeking feedback from the public, community groups and firefighters. This feedback will inform a final Fire Station Location Study report that is intended to be used in the service level review. Feedback sessions are being planned now and will be posted soon, including virtual options. We hope that you can join us to learn more about the Fire Station Location Study and we also look forward to your participation in the feedback sessions.

To stay up-to-date on the fire station location study process, or review the latest draft, please visit www.engagemuskokalakes.ca.

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