Building Safer Communities Through Evidence-Based Planning
Every municipality has a responsibility to ensure that its fire and emergency services are effective, efficient, and aligned with the needs of its community. Two essential tools that help achieve this are the Community Risk Assessment (CRA) and the Fire Master Plan (FMP). Together, these documents form the foundation of responsible fire service management and long-term public safety planning.
A Community Risk Assessment is a systematic process used to identify local risks that could threaten people, property, and the environment. It considers factors such as demographics, building stock, occupancy types, geography, response times, and community growth. Under Ontario’s O. Reg. 378/18: Community Risk Assessment – Fire Services, municipalities are required to conduct a CRA every five years. The goal is simple but vital: to ensure that fire protection services are based on real data and tailored to the specific risks within the community.
The Fire Master Plan builds on the CRA by turning that risk data into a long-term strategic roadmap for the fire department. It outlines recommendations for staffing, station locations, apparatus replacement, training, fire prevention, and public education. A well-developed FMP ensures that resources are optimized, service levels are sustainable, and the department is prepared to meet both current and future demands.
Developing these plans involves extensive consultation with municipal leadership, fire service staff, and the community itself. It requires analyzing response data, reviewing organizational structure, assessing legislative compliance, and evaluating how effectively prevention, education, and emergency response work together to protect residents.
A thorough CRA and FMP not only satisfy legislative requirements—they also provide municipal leaders with a defensible, evidence-based framework for decision-making. They help justify budgets, prioritize capital investments, and demonstrate accountability to taxpayers and councils alike.
At 308 Consulting & Strategy Group Inc., we have decades of experience supporting municipalities across Ontario in the preparation of Community Risk Assessments and Fire Master Plans. Our approach combines operational insight, data-driven analysis, and real-world experience in emergency services leadership. The result is a clear, actionable plan that helps communities remain safe, resilient, and ready for the future.