Fire Station Location Study

The Township of Muskoka Lakes has completed a comprehensive Fire Station Location Study to help guide fire protection services for the next 25 years. This review, as recommended in the current Fire Master Plan, focuses on how our fire station network can continue to meet the needs of a growing and evolving community – safely, efficiently, and sustainably.

Background
Launched in 2023, the study began with a full assessment of the Township’s 10 fire stations. Conducted in collaboration with expert consultants, Emergency Management Group Inc. (EMG), the following key challenges were identified:

• Aging infrastructure, with eight stations nearing the end of their typical 40-year service life;
• Space limitations, including the use of temporary shelters and purchasing custom-sized vehicles;
• Health and safety needs, with many stations requiring upgrades to meet current standards;
• Geographic overlap, where multiple stations cover the same service areas, reducing efficiency.

Informed by this analysis, and following public engagement and discussion with Committee, three service models were developed and identified in Phase II of the study:

1. Maintain the current 10-station network
   Rebuild stations over time at existing (or nearby) locations.
   
   
2. Consolidate to a 7-station model (consultant and staff recommendation)
   Close three stations, modernize two, and rebuild four to reduce overlap and reinvest in high-quality facilities. See Appendix II for the proposed Implementation Plan.
   
   
3. Further consolidate to a 5-station model
   Decommission all current stations and construct five new ones in new locations.

In reviewing response data and operational needs in detail, each model considers building conditions, emergency response coverage, staffing, equipment, and compliance with best practices and the consolidated options were designed to maintain existing levels of service, ensure community safety, and plan responsibly for the future.

Where We Are Now: Financial Strategy and Implementation Plan
On August 13, 2025, Fire Chief Ryan Murrell presented Staff Report ES-2025-017 to the General/Finance Committee in which evaluates each service model for long-term cost, funding strategy, and feasibility.

As resolution states from the latest meeting, General/Finance Committee has recommended that the Fire Station Location Study and the 7 Station Model contained within, to be adopted. Before this moves forward to Council for final approval, we’re inviting the community to share any final input or questions to help inform the upcoming discussion at a future Council meeting.

Next Steps: Share Your Feedback by September 12, 2025
Community input continues to be a key part of this process. If you have any feedback that you would like to share regarding the latest decision and inform upcoming discussions at a future Council meeting, please follow the steps below.

• Step 1: Read the report: Fire Station Location Study: Financial Strategy and Implementation Plan (August 13 2025)
• Step 2: Submit your feedback below. Feedback is open until September 12, 2025

Stay Informed
Subscribe to this project page to receive updates and learn about future engagement opportunities.

Feedback received will help inform final decisions by Council, expected on October 15, 2025.