THUNDER BAY — The city is hiring a consultant to conduct an operational review of Thunder Bay Fire Rescue and develop a new strategic plan for the decade that starts in 2020.
A key objective, outlined in the city's Request for Proposals, is identifying "opportunities for cost containment."
"Whether due to increasing expenses, rising demand for service, or both, the costs of providing emergency services are growing quickly. It is this rising cost that makes it all the more important to ensure efficient and effective service delivery," the RFP states.
The department's current annual budget is just under $30 million.
With a total workforce of 211 people, it operates out of eight fire stations and responds to about 9,000 incidents a year over an area comprising 320 square kilometres.
The consultant will be asked to develop call volume projections for the years 2020 to 2030, review TBFR's response to medical 911 calls "and comment on their utility and effectiveness," identify opportunities to reduce call demands and compare current service levels with industry standards.
It will also be tasked with reviewing the present fire station locations and commenting on any other facet of service delivery "and organizational shape or culture as deemed appropriate."
Input will be sought from firefighters, the Ontario Fire Marshal's Office, the public and other stakeholders.
The RFP notes that that "matters relating to the provision of any emergency service can be charged with emotion," so the successful consultant will recommend a methodology for the study that is "evidence-informed."
Oversight will be provided by a steering committee including Mark Smith, General Manager - Development & Emergency Services, Fire Chief John Hay, and two other members of the city administration.
City council is expected to receive the final strategic plan by the end of August.
