Oshawa City Council approved investments in Oshawa Fire Services, including five new full-time positions, during the City of Oshawa’s 2020 budget deliberations.
The approved 2020 operating budget for Fire Services is $27.4 million, which is 14.5 per cent of the total city operating budget. It does not include contractual increases for 2019 and 2020. Additionally, in the capital budget, $1.775 million of funding was approved for Next Generation 911 networks upgrades and the replacement of Fire vehicles, said a city media release.
“The safety of our residents, businesses and Fire Services staff is of upmost importance and I thank all of our Fire Services staff for their commitment to protecting our community each and every day,” says Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter. “While our staff do an excellent job in preparing and protecting the community, it is important to remember that fire safety is everyone’s responsibility. Working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms will save your life; early warning is crucial to your survival.”
Dillon Consulting Limited presented preliminary findings of the Fire Master Plan to Council and City staff on November 28, to help inform the 2020 budget deliberations. As a result, council approved five new full-time positions within Oshawa Fire Services: 3 Fire Fighters, 1 Communications Officer (responsible for the dispatch centre) and 1 Assistant Deputy Fire Chief. Also, an additional Fire Prevention Inspector was hired in 2019.
“Hiring the Communications Officer and these three firefighters is a good first step. The Oshawa Professional FireFighters Association looks forward to working with City management and Council to develop a strategy of hiring more firefighters to address the needs of our community and provide the level of fire protection our citizens expect and deserve,” said Peter Dyson, President of the Oshawa Professional Firefighters Association.
With a growing population, the approved investments will ensure that the city continues to provide public education and prevention, fire safety standards and code enforcement and emergency response for the community. In addition, the investments support the City’s commitment to public safety, the safety of our fire staff and the protection of property, the release added.
Community Risk Assessment & Fire Master Plan
A Community Risk Assessment and Fire Master Plan project is currently underway. The Community Risk Assessment will identify the needs and circumstances of the community based on fire risk. The Fire Master Plan will assess current and future levels of service and programs provided by Oshawa Fire Services
The Fire Master Plan will be informed by community input, legislation, industry best practices, Oshawa Fire Services, the Oshawa Professional Fire Fighters Association and the public.
In early 2020, the community will be invited to share their feedback on a range of services provided by Oshawa Fire Services, including emergency response and fire prevention, and public education services. Feedback received from the community will be considered in the development of the draft Fire Master Plan that will be presented to council for consideration in spring 2020. Once approved, the Fire Master Plan is intended to guide the city’s fire services for the next 10 years.
“I am proud of Oshawa Fire Services and our highly trained and dedicated staff across all divisions,” says Oshawa Fire Chief, Derrick Clark. “I look forward to hearing from the community during public engagement for the Fire Master Plan. Public input is important.”