Fire Station Location Study

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Consultation for the Fire Station Location Study has now concluded. Over the next 15 years, the Township will carry out a gradual transition to the 7-Station Model Network. 

Stay informed: 

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.

On October 15, 2025, Council approved the consolidated 7-Station Model Network for the Township of Muskoka Lakes. 

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; ratified by Council on October 15, 2025)
    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.

WATCH NOW: Frequently Asked Questions
With Ryan Murrell, Fire Chief

*Click the image to watch

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.

On October 15, 2025, Council approved the consolidated 7-Station Model Network for the Township of Muskoka Lakes. 

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; ratified by Council on October 15, 2025)
    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.

WATCH NOW: Frequently Asked Questions
With Ryan Murrell, Fire Chief

*Click the image to watch

Consultation for the Fire Station Location Study has now concluded. Over the next 15 years, the Township will carry out a gradual transition to the 7-Station Model Network. 

Stay informed: 

  • October 2025 | 7-Station Model Approved by Council

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    On October 15, 2025, Fire Chief Ryan Murrell presented Staff Report ES-2025-021 to Council in which summarized feedback collected over a two month period from the community consultation sessions and Engage Muskoka Lakes website regarding the 7-Station Model that General/Finance Committee recommended in August.

    During discussion of this matter, Councillors shared some of the feedback they had received over the past two months including repurposing some of the fire stations. Council directed staff to proceed with the 7-station model and the related implementation plan.

    What reverting to a 7-Station Model Network will look like:

    • Close: Glen Orchard, Torrance, and Raymond Fire Stations
    • Modernize: Windermere and Walker’s Point Fire Stations
    • Rebuild: Minett, Foot’s Bay, Milford Bay and Bala in the next 20 years.

    Reference Documents:

    Next Steps

    Implementation Plan

    Following the approved Implementation Plan outlined below, boots on the ground work in updating the Township's Fire Station Network Model is expected to begin in 2027.

    Please note: The above plan is an approximate timeline and subject to changes.

    Financial Strategy

    Over the next 10 years, capital spending under the 7-Station Model Network is expected to increase the current 10-year Official Plan due to two key factors:

    1. First, additional expenses are being contemplated for enhancements and upgrades at the Walker’s Point location, which were not included in the original projections. These investments involve expanded facilities, infrastructure improvements, or increased operational capacity.
    2. Second, the need to relocate the Foot’s Bay station as part of its planned rebuilding effort and maintain coverage introduces further unanticipated costs. Relocation typically involves land acquisition.

    Together, these factors will add approximately $2.5 million to the existing budget estimates.

    Breakdown of Expected Costs:

    • Capital Building & Truck Costs:
      • 20 Years: $55,245,595
      • 40 Years: $93,221,810
    • Per Annum Cost:
      • 20 Years: $2.5 M
      • 40 Years: $2.4 M

    Funding Sources:

    The following funding sources are identified, and can be further reviewed and confirmed during future budget processes:

    • Debt Financing
      • Long-term debentures (15-25 years) through District of Muskoka.
      • Debt should be structured to align with the useful life of the asset, e.g. 40 years.
    • Grant Opportunities
      • Federal Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF)
      • Skills Development Fund (SDF) – eligible for training areas and training live fire sites
      • Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), specific for fire station infrastructure
    • Sponsorship and Community Fundraising
      • Naming rights (community rooms, bays)
      • Local corporate sponsorship of apparatus
      • Public campaign for commemorative donations or community brick campaigns
    • Reserves and Asset Replacement Funds
      • Current Fire Department Capital reserve contribution is $1 million / year
      • Need to increase capital reserve contribution to reflect annual Capital costs

    Community Engagement

    With a long road ahead in reflecting a new Fire Station Model Network for the Township of Muskoka Lakes, opportunities for community engagement is far from over. From design concepts to ideas for repurposed buildings, we'll be looking to the community for input to help guide discussions and decisions.

    Subscribe to this page to be the first to know about opportunities to get involved.

    *Please note that estimates are based on today’s costs, an annual inflation factor of 3%, a 40-year station life and 20 year vehicle life. The cost per station is based upon a conceptual fire station size of 6,752 square feet, which includes modern amenities suggested by the consultants. The pricing per square foot was based upon the $860 per square foot rate as established in the 2025 Atlus Canadian Cost Guide. Every year this guide provides a comprehensive snapshot of construction costs in local markets across Canada, broken down by building type. Additional estimation of 4% for interior appliances was added to come to a 2025 station cost of $6,038,988. Land costs that are estimated for new locations are estimated at $1 million per site. It should also be noted that operating costs are not included in the current analysis (e.g. savings from closing stations, minimum maintenance costs, etc.).

  • August 2025 Update | Financial Strategy and Implementation Plan

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    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 discussions at Council, expected for October 15, 2025.