Calling all Oakville residents to help shape the next decade of fire services
Tuesday, September 26, 2023
Oakville Fire Department (OFD) is seeking feedback from the community to help guide and improve its services. Residents, businesses and community groups are invited to complete an online survey open until October 29, 2023. Input collected will help inform the creation of OFD’s 10-year Fire Master Plan (FMP) which will guide the department in providing more effective and more efficient fire protection and emergency services to the growing community.
A virtual open house will be held this fall, and registration details will be available in the coming weeks.
OFD currently provides service to around 231,000 residents and is preparing for growth and responding to their evolving needs. The Fire Master Plan will provide a 10-year outlook with a phased action plan which enables the department to be flexible to changing needs.
In conjunction with the FMP, a Community Risk Assessment is underway which assesses Oakville’s geography, demographics, critical infrastructure, hazards, response to public safety and more. The FMP will be shaped by the Community Risk Assessment, current legislation, industry best practices, feedback from OFD personnel and the community’s input.
- Mayor Rob Burton
“From fire suppression and prevention to education and community engagement, fire services personnel play an active role in ensuring the well-being of residents. With public input, we aim to enhance our services to adapt to the changing needs of our growing community.”
- Fire Chief Paul Boissonneault, Oakville Fire Department
A virtual open house will be held this fall, and registration details will be available in the coming weeks.
OFD currently provides service to around 231,000 residents and is preparing for growth and responding to their evolving needs. The Fire Master Plan will provide a 10-year outlook with a phased action plan which enables the department to be flexible to changing needs.
In conjunction with the FMP, a Community Risk Assessment is underway which assesses Oakville’s geography, demographics, critical infrastructure, hazards, response to public safety and more. The FMP will be shaped by the Community Risk Assessment, current legislation, industry best practices, feedback from OFD personnel and the community’s input.
Background
- The goal of the Fire Master Plan is to reduce and mitigate fire risk by enhancing the use of the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Three Lines of Defence model - public education and prevention, fire safety standards and code enforcement, and emergency response.
- Ontario Regulation 378/18: Community Risk Assessments came into effect on July 1, 2019. This new legislation requires OFD to conduct a Community Risk Assessment by July 1, 2024.
- The current Fire Master Plan was created in 2016 and is available on the Fire Master Plan page.
Quotes
“The town’s fire services team provides high quality, timely response and proactive education to keep our community safe. Council, our dedicated Fire Department, and I rely on public input when we develop our policies and plans. We seek public input to help guide the future of fire services in keeping Oakville a resilient, vibrant and livable town.”- Mayor Rob Burton
“From fire suppression and prevention to education and community engagement, fire services personnel play an active role in ensuring the well-being of residents. With public input, we aim to enhance our services to adapt to the changing needs of our growing community.”
- Fire Chief Paul Boissonneault, Oakville Fire Department