Statement on proposed changes to Clarington Emergency and Fire Services

Clarington, Ontario – Clarington’s Chief Administrative Officer, Mary-Anne Dempster, has issued the following statement:

“Clarington staff have prepared a report outlining proposed changes to the way our emergency and fire services are delivered in the community. The recommendations, which will be considered by Council on June 19, will help to ensure we continue to provide our services in an efficient way and meet the high standard of safety our residents expect and deserve.

Clarington has a composite fire service, made up of a combination of full-time and volunteer firefighters. Clarington is one of 29 Ontario communities with a population of over 100,000 residents, and only eight of those use a composite service delivery model.

Clarington Emergency and Fire Services has struggled for several years to hire and retain volunteer firefighters, a common problem for composite forces across the province. This has been felt most notably at our Bowmanville, Courtice, and Enniskillen stations. The following are some of the proposed enhancements:

• Phase-out the volunteer program in our larger urban centres of Bowmanville and Courtice (both experiencing significant population growth).
• Create new full-time positions (filling at least 50 per cent with current volunteers).
• Enhance the use of the Enniskillen station (partnering with Region of Durham Paramedic Services for co-use).
• Consider building a new station in north Bowmanville.

It is important to note that these efforts are focused on enhancing our services and that no stations are proposed to close. These suggested changes would allow us to address the rising demands for emergency services in Courtice and Bowmanville, while maintaining the volunteer firefighter program in Enniskillen and Orono, as well as the composite program in Newcastle.

Clarington Emergency and Fire Services remains steadfast in its mission to protect and serve our residents. By strengthening our full-time fire crews and implementing a program to support our volunteer firefighters, we are proposing proactive measures to adapt to the evolving needs of our growing community.

We deeply appreciate the commitment and dedication of our volunteer firefighters. Together, we will ensure that Clarington continues to be a safe and secure community.”

~ Mary-Anne Dempster, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)
Municipality of Clarington