Project background

Fire Rescue Services is working with Pomax Consulting to develop a comprehensive evidence-based Fire Master Plan. The Fire Master Plan will identify growth in contrast to service requirements based upon defined risks and therefore public safety as it pertains to current and foreseeable change in our community. The consultant’s analysis will be informed by the extensive use of data that will include the development of a Community Risk Assessment as mandated by the Office of the Fire Marshal. An introductory report (COM2022-010, begins page 14) was brought before City of Waterloo Council in April 2022 to introduce the Fire Master Plan Update project.

This assessment will assist in the development of a sustainable, efficient and effective Fire Master Plan to guide the growth of fire protection services, and establish strategic priorities over the next decade. In particular, the consultant will review emergency response capacities associated with ongoing trends of enhanced traffic calming throughout the City, the recent construction of light rail transit infrastructure, and significant high density redevelopment and intensification occurring in many parts of the community.

The Fire Master Plan will include a number of recommendations to Council, to address the current and future needs of:

• Community Risk Profile development
• Community Integration and Engagement toward a diverse workforce
• Fire prevention, public education and Fire Code enforcement
• Fire suppression and emergency response (fire station optimization)
• Training, communication and leadership development
• Technical Maintenance and Mechanical
• Asset Management: Apparatus and Equipment

Following the analysis and application of data including public, community partner and corporate discourse, the consultant’s comprehensive assessment will be brought forward in a Council report and presentation in March 2023.