Muskoka Lakes seeks feedback on proposed seven station fire model

The Township of Muskoka Lakes is inviting final community feedback on a proposed shift to a seven-station fire service model, as outlined in the Fire Station Location Study presented to the General/Finance Committee on August 13, 2025.

Developed in partnership with Emergency Management Group Inc. (EMG), the study recommends reducing the current 10 station network to seven. The plan would close three aging stations – Torrance (2030), Glen Orchard (2032), and Raymond (2034) – while modernizing Walker’s Point and Windermere and rebuilding four others over the next 15 years.

Fire Chief Ryan Murrell says the plan ensures safety, modernizes infrastructure and addresses overlapping service areas. “We can maintain service levels while investing in better facilities for our firefighters and community,” he said.

Two alternative models were also studied: maintaining all 10 stations or consolidating further into five. However, the seven-station model was recommended as the most cost-effective and sustainable.

Public input will help inform the council’s final decision, which is expected in October 2025.