Lakeshore Adds Two Full-time Firefighters to Roster

It’s Emergency Preparedness Week and the Lakeshore Fire Department is evolving in response to changing demands.

At the meeting on April 28, 2026, Lakeshore Council approved the conversion of on-call firefighter positions to two full-time positions as the start of a phased staffing plan that will support the long-term sustainability of the Lakeshore Fire Department and strengthen emergency response coverage throughout the municipality.

“This is a step in the right direction as Lakeshore Fire grows to fit the needs of our growing municipality. We are incredibly lucky to be served by our dedicated firefighters, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact of staffing investments on the department. As a Council, the investment in full-time firefighters is a cost-effective solution to meet the challenges of emergency response.”
-Mayor Tracey Bailey

The move towards a composite fire service, which blends full-time and on-call firefighters, will see the conversion of 10 volunteer positions (which are currently unfilled) into two full-time firefighter positions. The full-time positions will be filled by current firefighters.

"The Lakeshore Fire Service is made up of a highly dedicated group of volunteer firefighters who will remain a vital asset to our communities for decades to come. The traditional volunteer-based model in Lakeshore, like in many communities across Ontario, has been challenged by growing demand, increased recruitment and training costs, as well as the costly impact of turnover and retirement of long-serving firefighters. These impacts have highlighted the need to adapt the department in a cost-effective way.”
-Lakeshore Fire Chief Jason Suchiu.

The Report to Council noted that the staffing conversion is expected to save over $4,000 in 2027, with the cost of wages offset by the reduction in training, recruitment, and equipment. Other benefits include:

• Stability and continuity. Full-time career firefighters will provide long-term stability, experience, and technical ability as long-serving volunteers approach retirement.

• Public education. Scheduled crews will support community outreach and public education events.

• Balanced service delivery. Ongoing assessments of call volumes and station-specific staffing needs will be used to ensure a balance of volunteer and full-time firefighters to meet demands.

The full-time positions, which are expected to be filled in late 2026, are part of the ongoing implementation of the Lakeshore Fire Master Plan. The document, adopted in 2024, provides a road map to meet the Lakeshore Fire Department’s operational and strategic needs over the next ten years.

The Lakeshore Fire Department operates five fire stations in communities throughout the municipality. Lakeshore Fire invites residents to be prepared for emergencies as part of Emergency Preparedness Week, happening from May 3 to May 9, 2026. Learn more at Lakeshore.ca/Prepare.