As the majority of the questions were multiple choice, I've only included the answers that I chose specifically. Where rankings are used, 5 represents Extremely Familiar/Important/Concerned.
Which of the following best describes your familiarity with fire departments?
- I have interacted through work.
- I have general knowledge.
Prior to receiving this survey, how familiar were you with Scugog Fire & Emergency Services?
- 3/5
Prior to receiving this survey, have you reviewed any of the following?
- Fire Master Plan
- Council Reports related to Fire Department
How important is maintaining or improving emergency response times in Scugog?
- 4/5
Volunteer Fire Departments across Ontario are experiencing increasing challenges related to recruitment, retention, training requirements, employer support, and daytime response availability. How concerned are you about these challenges?
- 4/5
Do you support strengthening fi re prevention programs, including public education, inspections, smoke alarm programs, and appropriate staffing?
- Yes
Before receiving this survey, were you aware that Scugog Fire & Emergency Services is not staffed 24 hours a day with full-time firefighters?
- Yes, I was already aware.
Do you believe emergency response staffing should be sufficient to allow firefighters to safely and effectively perform critical emergency tasks upon arrival?
- Yes
Scugog currently has two full-time firefighters available for immediate emergency response during weekday business hours. Volunteer firefighters respond from home or work. Would you support exploring options to increase full-time emergency response staffing?
- Yes
Do you agree that firefighter safety should be considered alongside public safety when making decisions about fire service staffing and resources?
- Yes
Do you support evaluating fire service levels based on the different risks and service demands of Scugog's urban and rural communities?
- Yes
If operational data demonstrates additional fire service resources are needed to maintain public safety, would you support those investments?
- Yes
Council has endorsed a Fire Master Plan and Community Risk Assessment to guide long-term decision-making. Do you support implementing the recommendations of the Fire Master Plan?
- Yes
Do you believe Scugog Fire & Emergency Services is currently [not adequately/adequately/over-resourced to meet current service demands]:
- Unsure
I chose "unsure" because there seemed to be conflicting opinions outlined in the Fire Master Plan as to whether management, staff, and Council felt SFES are adequately resourced to meet current service demands.
When making decisions about fire protection, what should be Council's highest priority?
- Balancing public safety with affordability.
Which approach best reflects your philosophy?
- Invest proactively to meet future community needs.
Would you commit to meeting annually with representatives of IAFF Local 4679 to discuss public safety priorities?
- Yes
What do you believe is the greatest long-term challenge facing Scugog Fire & Emergency Services?
The greatest long-term challenge facing Scugog Fire and Emergency Services is balancing service expectations with growth, changing community needs, and financial sustainability.
As Scugog continues to grow, the demand for emergency services will grow with it. New residential development, increased traffic volumes, an aging population, and evolving emergency response requirements all place additional demands on our firefighters and emergency planning systems. At the same time, Council has a responsibility to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly.
Having worked in municipal government for 16 years in Insurance & Risk Management and Legal & Enforcement Services, I understand the importance of proactive risk management and long-term planning. The challenge will be ensuring our fire service has the staffing, training, equipment, facilities, and technology needed to meet future demands while maintaining fiscal responsibility for residents.
The decisions we make today regarding growth, infrastructure, and emergency preparedness will directly impact the level of service we can provide tomorrow.
What is your vision for public safety in the Township of Scugog over the next four years?
My vision for public safety is a community that is prepared, resilient, and supported by strong emergency services that residents can trust.
Public safety extends beyond emergency response. It includes effective emergency planning, public education, fire prevention, community partnerships, and ensuring our first responders have the resources they need to serve the community safely and effectively.
Over the next four years, I would support:
- Long-term planning that aligns fire service needs with community growth.
- Continued investment in firefighter training, equipment, and emergency preparedness.
- A strong focus on fire prevention and public education to reduce risks before emergencies occur.
- Collaboration between Fire Services, Durham Regional Police, EMS, and community partners to enhance emergency response and community resilience.
- Responsible financial planning that protects public safety while respecting taxpayers.
Ultimately, residents should feel confident that when they call for help, highly trained professionals equipped with the right resources will be there when they are needed, while also knowing their municipal government is planning responsibly for the future.