The Municipality of West Nipissing is holding an information session to discuss a proposed adjustment to local fire services that will impact Station 3, Tomiko Lake Hall. Property owners on Tomiko Road are invited to attend this session on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the Crystal Falls Fire Hall (552 Crystal Falls Road). Given limited space and the condition of the Tomiko Fire Hall, the session will be held at Station 2 (Crystal Falls) to accommodate a larger audience.
Due to limited internet access on-site, this session will be held in person only. A recording of the meeting and a summary of key takeaways will be posted on our website following the event and will be available to anyone who requests the information by contacting us at support@westnipissing.ca or by calling 705-753-2250.
Background Information | Why is this session being held
Ontario Regulation 378/18, under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, requires that all municipalities in Ontario develop a Community Risk Assessment (CRA) by July 1, 2024, to guide decisions on fire protection services. In accordance, the Municipality of West Nipissing engaged a consulting firm (Behr Integrated Solutions) to develop a CRA, the findings of which identified key risks and needs within the community. These findings were then used to inform the development of the Municipality’s Fire Master Plan, also developed by the consultant. The Fire Master Plan builds upon the CRA’s insights and offers a comprehensive series of recommendations aimed at enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of fire service delivery. The Plan aims to ensure that the West Nipissing Fire Service is equipped to meet the evolving needs of its growing community and to provide effective fire protection and emergency services.
On January 23, 2025, West Nipissing Fire Chief, Frank Loeffen, presented a progress report to Council on the Fire Master Plan, which included a discussion on the recommendation to permanently close Station 3 (Tomiko Hall) and maintain response coverage for this area through Station 2 in Crystal Falls. This recommendation was made due to several factors, including Station 3’s very low incident response rate (fewer than one call per year), its limited equipment, and insufficient volunteer firefighter personnel. As a result, Station 3 has not been operational as an active emergency response unit.
At the Council meeting on February 4, 2025, a delegation of local residents raised concerns about the proposed closure and requested an opportunity receive more information. In response to the delegation, Council decided to proceed with this session to ensure residents are provided with detailed information on the proposed service change and are afforded an opportunity to address any concerns.