About the plan
The Quinte West Fire and Emergency Services’ (QWFES) first 10-Year Master Plan is being developed to assess how municipal fire and emergency services are delivered now and how they should evolve to meet future needs as the city grows.
The plan will review current industry best practices, including National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, and recommend improvements for QWFES. The plan will also review the need for new or upgraded facilities, equipment, and vehicles, ensuring these align with Quinte West’s Strategic Plan.
Key areas of focus will include fire station locations, staffing levels, response times, fire safety inspections, training, and technology. The plan will also evaluate how QWFES can keep pace with population growth, changing community needs, and industry standards.
Input from Council, staff, QWFES personnel, and other stakeholders will help shape the plan. The final product will be a strategic framework with clear, actionable steps to guide municipal fire and emergency services over the next decade. When complete, the Fire Master Plan will be the first of its kind for the City of Quinte West.
Background
In November 2024, Quinte West Council authorized Quinte West Fire and Emergency Services to undertake the development of a comprehensive 10-year Fire Master Plan for the City.
QWFES has retained the consultancy services of Transitional Solutions Inc. (TSI) to undertake a collaborative and data-driven assessment of the current state of the service, engage key stakeholders, and develop a 10-year master plan that provides realistic, actionable recommendations to guide the future of emergency response in the City. Development of the Fire Master Plan is being funded by the City’s 2025 Operating budget.
Project details
The Fire Master Plan development project will assess current operations, plan for future growth, and identify opportunities for improvement across all areas of service delivery.
Key project objectives
- Reviewing community fire risk and forecasting future needs
- Assessing fire station locations, staffing levels, and equipment
- Evaluating response times, training programs, and service levels
- Planning for growth, climate risks, and infrastructure changes
- Engaging the community and aligning with City goals
- Providing a clear, phased roadmap for future investments
Anticipated timelines and phases
The Fire Master Plan project is anticipated to take six months to develop a final plan that will be presented to Quinte West Council in late fall 2025.
The Fire Master Plan is being developed through a structured, four-phase process to ensure a thorough and informed approach to long-term fire service planning.
Project phases
|
Phase |
Priorities |
Status |
Phase 1: Project Initiation & Planning |
This phase sets the foundation for the project. It includes developing a detailed work plan and engagement strategy. |
Complete |
Phase 2: Current & Future State Analysis |
This phase will include a comprehensive assessment of Quinte West’s fire services, including a review of community risk, response performance, staffing, training, facilities, and future growth projections. |
Current state |
Phase 3: Draft Master Plan Development |
Community engagement opportunities are planned to gather public feedback. Research and consultation information will be used to develop a draft plan, recommendations and an implementation roadmap.
|
Fall 2025 |
Phase 4: Final Plan & Presentation |
The completed Fire Master Plan and implementation strategy are formally presented to Council, providing a clear, phased path forward for the next 10 years of fire service delivery. |
Early 2026 |
Community engagement
A public open house – Oct. 20, 2025, 6:30-8:30 p.m.Community input is a key part of developing the Quinte West Fire Master Plan. Throughout the project, there will be multiple opportunities for residents, staff, partners, and community members to get involved and share feedback.
Engagement activities will include:
- Online and in-person community survey – Fall 2025.
- Online engagement webpage – Fall 2025.
- A public open house – Oct. 20, 2025, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
- Partner workshops and interviews
- Staff and Council workshops and interviews
Feedback gathered from these engagements will help shape the plan’s recommendations and ensure fire services reflect the needs and expectations of the Quinte West community.