The Oakville Fire Department presented its Fire Master Plan for 2024-2033 to council last week, on Monday, April 29. The focus of the plan is to accommodate the growing community in Oakville and it's equally increasing needs.
Listed in the plan is the addition of two new fire stations, bringing the total to 11 in the town of Oakville.
Council has approved the Fire Master Plan to guide the delivery of, and future decision-making in providing fire and emergency response services as the community grows and expands.
According to Mayor Rob Burton, "As Oakville grows and welcomes new businesses while existing ones expand, the role of fire and emergency services remains vital. The new Fire Master Plan builds on the hard work of our dedicated fire service staff, ensuring they can continue to deliver high-quality fire services to our thriving community."
The Fire Master Plan is a 10-year framework that identifies objectives, strategies, goals and recommendations for fire prevention, education, and response to protect the community. The Fire Master Plan is reviewed and updated every five years.
The plan highlights key areas of focus over the next decade that are essential for supporting Oakville’s population and intensifying urban areas, including:
- Optimize public education and fire prevention programs, the first two lines of defence, and the use of fire safety standards and fire code enforcement as a strategic priority for risk reduction within the community
- Expand resources for fire prevention, fire suppression and emergency management response
- Expand fire training and fire certification programs to stay up to date as fire-related risks evolve and meet legislation
- Enhance fire response opportunities in high-density areas by adding two new fire stations, bringing the community total to 11
- Increase the number of service-ready reserve units in maintaining a Council-approved level of service
The town has also completed its Community Risk Assessment O.Reg 378/18 requirement to assess fire safety as the foundation for developing clear goals and objectives for all fire protection services. The town says this will be reviewed and updated annually.
According to Fire Chief Paul Boissonneault, "With Oakville poised to see more growth in the next decade, the fire strategic goals laid out in the new Fire Master Plan will guide us towards more effective and efficient level of services, and continuous improvements for our cherished community."