Highlands East should consolidate fire stations, consultant, Loomex Group, told the township Aug. 12 when delivering its final fire master plan.
They recommend closing station 6 in Paudash – and relocating firefighters and equipment to Station 1 in Cardiff. They also urge the township to renovate the Cardiff fire hall in the short-term, and plan for a future replacement.
Terry Gervais of Loomex Group added the municipality should close station 2 in Highland Grove and Station 4 in Wilberforce and relocate to a new fire hall near Wilberforce. He further said they should upgrade station 3 in Gooderham.
Gervais said all stations were built in the 1970s, are more than 50 years old, and at the end of their life cycles.
“Most of the fire stations are currently in poor condition, and some are projected to fall into critical condition by 2029. The fire stations also lack the functionality that is required to meet the needs of the department and the community it serves,” he said.
Gervais added they recognize the township can’t afford to replace all stations, but cannot maintain the status quo. He said they looked at the fire department’s current response zones to devise a new deployment model. The proposed model also included reviews of GIS mapping, vehicle deployment, fire station conditions, and financial considerations.
Loomex Group said the Cardiff station is in better shape than Paudash, and a move would house 15 firefighters. Gervais said Highlands East could sell the other property, as well as unneeded fire apparatus and equipment, to raise money for other fire needs.
As to closing stations in Highland Grove and Wilberforce, Gervais said a new central fire hall could be staffed by 19 firefighters.
“Highlands East should build a new fire station that could be established in a location that will allow the department to provide coverage for its current response zone, as well as the entire municipality,” he said.
Gervais added it could accommodate the department’s current and anticipated needs, such as a dedicated administration, with office, training, and storage space. Gervais said the municipality owns property at 2752 Loop Rd., which could accommodate a new fire station. Again, it was suggested they sell the Highland Grove and Wilberforce stations to raise some money.
They added the Gooderham station is in “relatively good condition” and its location at County roads 503 and 508 allow the department to respond to incidents in the western third of Highlands East.
He said Loomex Group estimated cost savings of $6.4 million in fleet and fire station replacements. That includes eliminating six fire vehicles.
All up, the overall plan contains 33 recommendations, including around recruitment and retention, occupational health and safety; service levels and performance standards.
Not convinced
Coun. Angela Lewis asked what made a building condition “critical.” Gervais said it was based on functionality and operations. “Does it meet current Ontario Building Codes, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, health and safety guidelines?”
Lewis responded, “I just can’t see how you are going to have the same fire services when you are recommending closing two of the fire stations.”
Mayor Dave Burton said, “we will have time to deal with that, Angela, believe me.”
Coun. Cam McKenzie said there were a lot of references in the report of things the fire chief “should” do, which he said backed hiring a deputy chief.
Council received the report for information only.
