Master Fire Plan Frequently Asked Questions
QUESTIONS:
Why does Kingston need a Master Fire Plan?
What is the process for developing a Master Fire Plan?
Where are we in the review process?
When will the Master Fire Plan be implemented?
How can I find out more about the Master Fire Plan process?
CWhat changes are being proposed by the interim report and action plan?
What is the cost of implementing the Master Fire Plan?
ANSWERS:
A: A Master Fire Plan is a comprehensive long range blueprint for how the fire department will be organized, operated and resourced for the next 10 -15 years to respond effectively and efficiently to identified community risks within its needs and circumstances.
Why does Kingston need a Master Fire Plan?
A: Good planning is important for all municipal departments to ensure a healthy and sustainable future for the City of Kingston. The City develops similar plans for areas such as planning, transportation, parks and recreation, cultural services, the airport, sewer and water, and many more.
The Province of Ontario requires all fire departments to organize the delivery of service in an efficient and effective manner. Developing and implementing a Master Fire Plan is a means of fulfilling this legislated obligation as set out in part two of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act (FPPA).
What is the process for developing a Master Fire Plan?
A: In February 2006, Kingston City Council adopted terms of reference for a comprehensive review of services offered by Kingston Fire and Rescue, in partnership with the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal (OFM) with the aim of developing a Master Fire Plan.
For this review, Council agreed to a methodology, Shaping Fire Safe Communities, developed by the Ontario Fire Marshal (OFM). The OFM is piloting this methodology in Kingston with the intention of applying it across the province. It is designed to ensure transparency of process and involvement of interested parties.
Fire departments in North America have been developing Master Fire Plans for many years. The OFM has developed a computer program to help fire departments develop master plans. The computer program is what is being piloted by the OFM.
Council established a steering committee to oversee the review process, consisting of:
- City Councillors Leonore Foster and Dorothy Hector
- The Chief Administrative Officer or his/her designate
- The Commissioner responsible for Fire and Rescue Services
- The Fire Chief , fire management and senior officers
- Ontario Fire Marshal (OFM) representatives
- Kingston Professional Fire Fighters Association
- Volunteer Firefighters Association
- Utilities Kingston
- Kingston Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO)
- Two members of the public, Rod Ellis and Frank Bird
Where are we in the review process?
A: The review process consists of 10 steps designed to identify fire service gaps or risks in both the community and within the fire department, and to develop strategies to address the gaps and properly manage the risks.
The City of Kingston is currently at Step 5 of the process, which requires the preparation of an action plan to identify solutions for recognized service gaps and implementation priorities. The Steering Committee has submitted its interim report and proposed action plan to City Council, which in turn has asked the Arts, Recreation and Community Policies standing committee of council to review this matter and make recommendations back to Council.
Once an action plan has been endorsed by Council, the steering committee will finalize a draft master fire plan. That plan will then be reviewed and endorsed by the Office of the Fire Marshal and be adopted by City Council. It will then be up to staff as directed by Council to implement, monitor and periodically review the plan.
When will the Master Fire Plan be implemented?
A: Implementation of the plan will follow its adoption by city council, which we are anticipating later in 2009 or early 2010. Council must first adopt the interim report and proposed action plan; the steering committee must then draft a master plan, have it approved by the Office of the Fire Marshal and then present it to city council for adoption.
How can I find out more about the Master Fire Plan process?
A: Copies of the interim report and action plan are available in the city clerk's office, on the city website or by contacting the fire department directly through Executive Officer Greg Robinson.
What changes are being proposed by the interim report and action plan?
A: The action plan is making 119 recommendations to improve the service provided by Kingston Fire and Rescue over the next 10 - 15 years. This includes recommendations on staffing, equipment and vehicle purchases, fire station closures and relocations, fire training, public education programs, fire response plans, and much, much more.
What is the cost of implementing the Master Fire Plan?
A: A detailed financial analysis of recommended changes has not yet been completed; that will take place over the next several months. It is being suggested in the action plan that an investment of an additional $5 million is being recommended for the first three years of the proposed implementation period to bring the level of service to an acceptable and sustainable level. It is projected that this will result in a return on investment of $5 million through improved operating efficiencies, fleet and facilities costs, and new operating protocols over the final two years of the implementation period.
The next step in the financial analysis is to integrate these five-year implementation estimates with the existing 10-year capital plan for the fire department, and to assess the impact of the financial recommendations on area rated taxation levels. That information will form part of the staff report being prepared for review by standing committee in 2009.
