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 discussions at Council, expected for October 15, 2025.

Next Steps

Share Your Feedback
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. Feedback will be accepted until Friday, September 26, 2025.

Step 1: Read the report
Fire Station Location Study: Financial Strategy and Implementation Plan (August 13 2025)

Step 2: Submit your feedback (Choose 1 option below)

1. Online through the feedback form below
   
   OR
   
   
2. Written
   Please include the following information in your submission:
   - Addressed to: Ryan Murrell, Fire Chief – Fire Station Location Study
   - Full Name
   - Phone Number
   - Email (if applicable)
   - Community in which you reside (or nearest community)
   - Your feedback
   
   Feedback may be dropped off at either of the following locations:

   - Township Municipal Office – 1 Bailey St, Port Carling ON P0B 1J0
   - Muskoka Lakes Fire Department Administrative Office – 1 Lee Valley Drive, Port Carling Ontario P0b 1j0

   To protect your privacy, written submissions may be placed in a sealed envelope. All comments received will be compiled and included in the final report presented to Council, though please note feedback will remain anonymous in the report.

Join the Town Hall
In partnership with the Skeleton Lake Cottagers Organization, a virtual Town Hall will be held on Wednesday, September 17 at 7pm. Fire Chief, Ryan Murrell, will present the latest Staff Report ES-2025-017 (outlined in the General/Finance Committee meeting on August 13, 2025), and will be available for live questions.

Join the Zoom Meeting here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86144172030?pwd=gdMng0VisdbxF3ptxTWxYg5EnZOxDu.1
Meeting ID: 861 4417 2030
Passcode: 299992

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

*Click the image to watch