Kawartha Lakes fire chief proposes new hire to boost emergency services
Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service is holding steady when it comes to serving the municipality, but changes are necessary as growth continues.
This was a key part of the message sent to council by fire chief Terry Jones during his first annual report.
The report provided insight to assist council in understanding the details of the services provided by fire department staff, including call volumes, types of responses, public education programs and inspections.
Jones noted that the past year marked a significant period of growth and achievement for the service in its ongoing commitment to public safety.
A number of education and awareness initiatives were undertaken such as the launch of What3Words, a collaboration with the Kawartha All-Terrain Vehicle Association and Kawartha Off-Road Motorcycle Association.
Considerable training was also completed last year to support such efforts as ice water and elevator rescue, wildland firefighting and livestock emergencies. Close to 300 participants also utilized a 10-day Mobile Live Fire Training Unit provided by the Ontario Fire College.
Jones continued sharing positive news, pointing out that the department responded to fewer calls for emergency services last year — 2,525 versus 2,616 in 2022 — and response times are in line with provincial expectations.
He added that his ultimate goal of having a minimum of four personnel on scene within 14 minutes is within reach.
However, Jones notes, as the municipality continues to grow, maintaining this will likely become challenging.
“Our response times are good, but we all know our municipality is getting larger … I’m not going to deny we’ve got some work ahead of us with all the growth that’s going on in the city,” said Jones.
Jones hopes to develop, with council approval, an emergency services manager. Currently, he is responsible for all fire service operations and leads the municipal emergency services committee comprised of volunteers.
Having an “official” individual would not only help increase efficiencies, they would also oversee all emergencies — such as the May 2022 derecho — as well as act as a liaison with other agencies and governments.
Jones explained that given the number of housing developments proposed for the remainder of the decade, such an individual would be instrumental in coordinating the efforts of all first responders.
“There is merit to having an individual who would also address situations that don’t fit specifically in an emergency services mandate,” said chief administrative officer Ron Taylor, adding that their responsibilities would fall under the Emergency Management Act versus the Fire Prevention and Protection Act that designates fire chief duties.
Council received Jones’ report, as well as his presentation regarding updating the municipality’s 22-year-old fire services bylaw, and forwarded it to the May 21 meeting for consideration.