Scugog’s new Fire Master Plan charts the future of emergency services

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

SCUGOG: A roadmap for the future of local fire protection is now in place, after Council gave the green light to a comprehensive new Fire Master Plan, aimed at guiding service delivery over the next decade.

The plan, prepared by Emergency Management Group Inc., was first presented to the General Purpose and Administration Committee, on March 2nd, following months of research, consultation, and analysis. It received final approval at the March 23rd council meeting, formally endorsing the document and allowing implementation of its recommendations to begin.

The Fire Master Plan outlines 57 short- and long-term recommendations, designed to strengthen all aspects of Scugog Fire and Emergency Services, from training and prevention to equipment, administration, and emergency planning. With a 10 year horizon, the plan is intended to provide a structured and financially responsible approach to maintaining and improving fire protection services.

“I am very pleased with the work completed by our consultants, in the preparation of the Fire Master Plan, and with Council’s endorsement of this important document,” said Fire Chief Mike Matthews. “The Plan sets a strong foundation for the future of our service, and I look forward to reviewing the recommendations in detail and working toward their thoughtful implementation.”

Developed in alignment with provincial legislation, industry standards, and local financial realities, the plan serves as a strategic guide for future decision-making. It incorporates a detailed Community Risk Assessment, evaluates current service levels, and examines population growth trends and emerging risks across the community.

“This plan gives Council the information we need to make informed, responsible decisions about fire protection, in both the short and long term,” said Councillor Janna Guido. “It ensures we are planning ahead, while remaining mindful of budget pressures facing the municipality.”

Among its key features is a phased implementation structure, with recommendations, categorized into short-term priorities, over one to five years, and longer-term goals spanning six to 10 years. This approach is intended to help Council and staff balance immediate needs with long-range planning and budgeting.

The document also addresses a wide range of operational and strategic areas, including regulatory compliance, mutual and automatic aid agreements, firefighter training and certification, public education, and opportunities for digital modernization. It further highlights the importance of succession planning and maintaining service sustainability as the community develops.

According to the report, the Fire Master Plan is not only a snapshot of current operations but a forward-looking blueprint, positioning the municipality to meet both present and future fire protection needs, in a responsible and sustainable way.

The planning process itself included: multiple phases, beginning with a detailed background review of existing data; policies; and infrastructure, followed by extensive outreach and engagement. Input was gathered from Council members, staff, stakeholders, and the public through surveys, meetings, and consultations, to ensure the plan reflects community priorities.

With Council approval secured, municipal staff will now begin a staged review of the 57 recommendations, identifying priority actions for the coming years and aligning them with available funding and operational capacity. “Implementation will be a measured process,” added Chief Matthews. “Our goal is to ensure each step is carefully planned and sustainable, while continuing to provide the high level of service our community expects.”