Municipal Modernization Program

The Town of East Gwillimbury and The Town of Georgina have initiated a Joint Fire Services Assessment through the Municipal Modernization Program to investigate modernizations and efficiencies. 

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has shone a spotlight on the importance of efficient municipal services that are financially sustainable. Even as municipalities continue to face challenges, there are also opportunities to evolve services and stimulate new ways of doing business to better serve our growing communities.

Residents of East Gwillimbury and Georgina are provided with reliable and quality fire and emergency services. Under the leadership of the department Fire Chiefs and guidance of municipal strategic plans, both towns focus on continuous improvement in how we provide services to residents.

Both municipalities will see significant growth in the coming years, and East Gwillimbury and Georgina see opportunities for collaboration that may result in enhanced service for both municipalities. With funding received from the provincial Municipal Modernization Fund, East Gwillimbury and Georgina have partnered to review fire and emergency services.

Project Overview

The Joint Fire Services Assessment project will determine efficiencies and modernization
opportunities under the terms of the Office of the Fire Marshal’s Three Lines of Defence:

1. Public Fire Safety Education
2. Fire Safety Standards and Enforcement
3. Emergency Response

The project includes:

• A refresh of both municipalities’ Fire Master Plans to address current growth projections
• Analysis of the three potential service options:
  • standalone modernized fire services for both municipalities
  • shared services options
  • consolidated composite (full-time and paid on-call/volunteer) department models
• Implementation strategies for all options

Our goal, as always, is to deliver an efficient, effective and modern fire service for our
residents and businesses. Public consultation opportunities will be provided. Check municipal websites for when and how to participate.

To learn more about the fire services and this exciting project contact Fire Chief Rob McKenzie.