Georgina, East Gwillimbury seek public input on joint fire services

East Gwillimbury, Georgina host public information sessions June 28, 29, public input survey open until end of July

Yorkregion.com
June 28, 2022
Amanda Persico

Earlier this year, East Gwillimbury and Georgina jointly received about $356,000 from the province to assess a shared fire service.

Now, the towns are seeking input from residents and local business owners on what a joint fire service should look like.

Each town is a hosting public information session and survey.

Residents and local business owners are invited to share their thoughts to help shape how future fire services are delivered. The survey remains open until the end of July.

The joint fire assessment project will look at efficiencies and opportunities to modernize public fire prevention and education, fire safety standards and enforcement, and emergency response.

East Gwillimbury and Georgina fire departments are examining three potential service options:

• standalone, modernized fire services for both municipalities;

• shared service options; and

• a consolidated department model taking into account full-time, paid on-call and volunteer firefighters.

 

The funds are also earmarked for updating respective fire master plans as they relate to community growth.

Learn more about current fire services and how emergency services are delivered in each community and what the three potential service options entail at the public information sessions.

Pre-registration is required for both meetings and only pre-registered speakers will be allowed to participate.

East Gwillimbury:

• June 28, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

• The meeting will be live streamed and a recording will be available on East Gwillimbury’s YouTube channel.

• To participate in the meeting, email emason@eastgwillimbury.ca by end of day June 27.

• Residents and business owners can submit questions ahead of time online.

Georgina:

• June 29, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

• The virtual meeting will be live streamed and a recording will be available on the town’s website.

• To participate, contact cmcanuff@georgina.ca or call 905-476-4301, ext. 2216.

• To submit questions ahead of time, email fireadmin@georgina.ca.

A report outlining joint efficiencies and exploring the option of a shared fire service is expected in early 2023.

For more information and to complete the survey, visit eastgwillimbury.ca/ECSS or georgina.ca/fire.