Earlier this year, East Gwillimbury and Georgina jointly received approximately $356,000 from the province to evaluate a shared fire department.

Now cities are asking residents and local business owners for their thoughts on what a joint fire department should look like.

Each city hosts a public information session and survey.

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

The Joint Fire Assessment Project will examine efficiencies and opportunities to modernize fire prevention and public education, fire safety standards and enforcement, and emergency response.

East Gwillimbury and Georgina Fire Services are looking at three potential service options:

• autonomous and modernized fire departments for the two municipalities;

• shared service options; and

• a consolidated departmental model taking into account permanent, paid and voluntary firefighters.

The funds are also allocated to updating the respective fire master plans with regards to community growth.

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

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

East Gwillimbury:

• June 28, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

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

• To join the meeting, send an email to [email protected] before the end of the day on June 27th.

• Residents and business owners can submit questions in advance online.

Georgina:

• June 29, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

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

• To enter, contact [email protected] or call 905-476-4301, ext. 2216.

• To submit questions in advance, email [email protected]

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

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

TO SHARE: