Lakeshore Adopts Fire Master Plan

At the meeting on September 24, 2024, Lakeshore Council adopted the 2023 Fire Master Plan, which lays out a road map to meet the Lakeshore Fire Department’s operational and strategic needs over the next ten years. 

The master plan provides a comprehensive review of the opportunities and challenges that the Lakeshore Fire Department is facing, including the impact of population growth, changing legislation, increasing call volumes, and strain on current staffing levels. 

“This is yet another critical document that outlines some of the significant pressures that Lakeshore is facing as one of the fastest growing municipalities in Ontario,” said Mayor Tracey Bailey. “We have an incredibly dedicated and hardworking team of firefighters, who are proud to serve our communities, and I look forward to future discussions on how Council can support them in protecting our communities.” 

Fire Chief Jason Suchiu, who began his leadership of Lakeshore Fire in June, described the next steps, which include the creation of an action plan and follow up reports to Council to address the 43 recommendations contained in the plan. 

“We will look to provide the most cost-effective solutions so we can continue to deliver the best service we can,” he said, adding that the recommendations were presented in the context of the Community Risk Assessment, which was adopted by Council at the September 10, 2024, meeting. The assessment analyzed nine profiles related to community risk, including geography, building stock, and demographics. 

The Fire Master Plan was developed in consultation with Lakeshore firefighters, members of Council, and the public to determine the Department’s performance in relation to community needs. Nearly 80 per cent of public respondents had a positive impression of the Fire Department and its services.