Central York Fire Services wants you to have your say on how its services will work over the next 10 years.
The fire department is asking Newmarket and Aurora residents to fill out an online survey to inform its 10-year fire master plan. The plan will guide the department's fire protection and emergency services within the two communities, with the survey open now until May 24.
“For the past 20 years, Central York Fire Services has been providing fire protection, prevention and emergency services in Newmarket and Aurora,” Fire Chief Ian Laing said. “Our communities are growing and so too must our services to protect and educate our residents."
The 2023 to 2032 plan, which is being overseen by fire service leadership and the joint council committee, will establish service priorities and inform decisions. The plan will have a 10-year outlook and five-year action plan, which the fire service said would allow it to "be flexible to changing needs."
"CYFS is preparing for growth and responding to the modern needs and realities of the municipalities it serves," the fire department said. "As the towns' population and density continue to increase, there is a requirement to maintain the balance of the communities’ needs with fiscal responsibility."
The fire department is also conducting a community risk assessment to identify the needs and circumstances within both towns. The assessment considers geography, demographics, critical infrastructure, hazards and more.
You can submit for the survey at engageaurora.ca or heynewmarket.ca.
The fire service said the plan will be shaped by the risk assessment, community and personnel input and industry best practices. It expects the plan to be brought to Newmarket and Aurora councils for approval in early 2023.
"The fire master plan will provide the strategic direction to grow with our towns," Laing said.
