Transitioning to a 7-Station Model Network

Why change the current system?

For decades, Muskoka Lakes has operated a 10-Station Model Network that has served the community well. However:

• Eight stations are nearing the end of their typical 40-year service life;
• Most require upgrades to meet current health and safety standards;
• Several stations overlap in coverage, reducing operational efficiency;
• Storage limitations have led to the use of temporary shelters and customized vehicles; 
• Minimum staffing levels have become harder to meet due to the influx of volunteer firefighters.

The consultant and staff recommended 7-Station Model Network, as outlined in the Fire Station Location Study, addresses these issues while preserving emergency response standards. This recommendation ensures that funds are invested strategically while also modernizing infrastructure, meeting regulatory compliance, and ensuring long-term sustainability.

The 7-Station Model Network was developed to address these challenges without compromising community safety.

Under the new network

• Close three existing stations: Glen Orchard, Torrance, and Raymond.
• Modernize Windermere and Walker’s Point stations to extend service life and improve safety.
• Rebuild four stations at Minett, Foot’s Bay, Milford Bay, and Bala.

Over the next 20 years, this strategic layout will help reduce redundant coverage, focuses capital investment, and enhances the overall effectiveness of the fire protection network while maintaining established service levels.

Timeline

Please note: The above implementation plan is an approximate timeline and subject to changes.

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Response map and coverage

The map below illustrates how the new 7-Station Model Network will be able to distribute resources and response times across the Township of Muskoka Lakes, based on calls from 2019-2023. 

This model provides strong community coverage in alignment with the NFPA 14-minute response standard (See Appendix A, pg. 50), while also supporting more consistent staffing levels by concentrating volunteer firefighters across fewer stations. This approach strengthens response capacity without reducing coverage. The model also includes areas of overlapping coverage, allowing neighbouring stations to support one another when additional apparatus or crews are required.

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Aligning Community Growth and Risk

The 7-Station Model Network reflects current and anticipated growth across the Township, including seasonal population increases, changing land use, and evolving risk factors such as wildfire potential and extreme weather events. Station locations were evaluated to ensure the network remains effective as community needs change over time.

While the number of fire stations will change over time, the Township of Muskoka Lakes remains firmly committed to maintaining established fire protection service levels and response standards across the community.

The 7-Station Model Network has been designed to ensure residents, businesses, and visitors continue to receive reliable, timely emergency response throughout the Township. Service delivery will be guided by recognized industry standards, historical response data, and ongoing monitoring to ensure coverage remains effective as community needs evolve.

This commitment means that changes to infrastructure are made with public safety as the primary focus, ensuring fire protection services remain strong, responsive, and dependable now and into the future.

This page will be updated as the project progresses, including key milestones, implementation timelines, community meetings, and engagement opportunities.

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