The Township of Muskoka Lakes is considering relocating the fire station in Minett.
During a March 11 general/finance committee meeting, Fire Chief Ryan Murrell presented a report stating that the current property on Juddhaven Road is too small to support a modern fire station, as it is shared with a two-storey community centre.
He said both uses in the building lack adequate parking and that the site’s topographical challenges limit future growth, making it unsuitable for a new fire station.
“Generally, the facilities are in fair to good condition. But the consultants do note that several of the facilities themselves are older in age, and they do highlight that there will be eventually costs to maintain those facilities in the short, medium and long term,” he said.
According to the report, the proposal to relocate the Minett fire station also comes as part of the 7-station fire department model council approved during the October 15 meeting.
The model is part of the Fire Master Plan, which aims to ensure the fire station network can safely, efficiently and sustainably meet the needs of a growing and evolving community over the next 25 years.
During the meeting, Murrell proposed properties on Gregory Road, Woodington Road, and the District-owned Bruce Lake Drive as potential sites. However, he said none are ideal due to significant constraints related to access and servicing, higher potential acquisition costs, and, in the case of Bruce Lake Drive, an irregularly shaped lot that does not allow for future growth.
At council’s direction, staff will explore alternative options with landowners within the Resort Village of Minett boundary and report back to committee with their findings.
The topic will come back to council for discussion at a future meeting.
