Council Approves Kawartha Fire Station Reorganization
Date: 11/16/2015
“The recommendations endorsed and approved by council support life safety and protection of our residents while living within our means,” said Kawartha Lakes Fire Chief Mark Pankhurst. “Through consolidation, industry standards will be maintained, and the provision of sustainable, enhanced cost effective services and programs will be continued.”
At the time of amalgamation, the city inherited the current fire station locations and assets of the former municipalities. The city conducted an extensive fire station location study earlier this year. As a result of the study, staff proposed a reduction of stations to 19 through a phased-in approach.
“These recommendations provide an opportunity to reorganize the inherited fire service model to provide long-term sustainability and affordability,” said Chief Pankhurst.
District three, located in the city’s northeast area, will see a consolidation of the existing three stations. In 2016, the city will begin to transition fire service from the Baddow Fire Hall to Fenelon Falls and Coboconk.
Residents will continue to receive a three-station response with fire crews coming from Coboconk, Fenelon Falls, and Burnt River.
As part of the changes approved last week, the Little Britain and Oakwood fire stations will be consolidated and a new fire station constructed. The plan would see a new hall scheduled for 2019.
“I want to ensure our residents and businesses that safety is our number one concern and priority,” said Chief Pankhurst. “These changes reflect best practices and ensure we have the best resources in the best possible locations moving forward.”
A new single-truck station will also be constructed in Bethany replacing the aging station with the project moving forward in 2016.
With the changes approved by council, the Kawartha Lakes Fire Service will continue to meet or exceed NFPA 1720 standards. NFPA 1720 specifies requirements for effective and efficient organization and deployment of fire suppression operations, emergency medical operations, and special operations to the public by volunteer and combination fire departments to protect citizens and the occupational safety and health of fire department employees.
“This is the right decision for our organization and the community,” said Mayor Andy Letham. “Staff has worked diligently to prepare the fire station location study and ensure that we are meeting or exceeding standards and response times while investing in capital where we need to.”
“This is a great example of the city doing business better and smarter,” Mayor Letham continued. “We cannot continue to view ourselves as our former municipalities. When we make decisions, we must look at Kawartha Lakes as a single entity and move forward with the best interest of all residents in mind. I think this is a great decision by council.”
