Huntsville Fire Department updates council about the split with Lake of Bays Fire

Huntsville and Lake of Bays Fire Depts are ending their shared services agreement

Huntsville Council was updated about the progress with the split between the Town and Lake of Bays Fire Department’s joint agreement, in the June 22, 2026, meeting.

Huntsville Fire Chief, Gary Monahan, told Council “Things are moving smooth.”

Last year Lake of Bays announced their decision to terminate the joint Fire Services Agreement with Huntsville, following a review that considered staffing, service delivery, contracted and township services, community growth, safety needs, and recruitment strategies.

Their staff report explained, “Following a comprehensive review and relevant literature, stakeholder interviews, fire services meetings, and financial analysis, it is evident that the Township of Lake of Bays is well positioned to deliver comparable, if not enhanced, level of fire services through a transition to an independent service model.”

It adds, “This approach enables more responsive service delivery tailored to the unique needs of Lake of Bays.”

The report also indicated that the transition proposed additional staffing, including a Deputy Fire Chief and Administrative Co-ordinator, which will be included in the Draft 2026 Budget, with recruitment scheduled for the 3^rd and 4^th quarters of 2026.

It continues that the current long-term Capital Plan allocation is $758,000, plus $1,262,571 for the operations budget, and $300,000 for subcontracted services of the Fire Department Administration Services Agreement.

Staff also reported that financial implications will include “service overlap” during the transition period. They add, “The Fire Service Administration Agreement ensures funding continuity during this time, supporting both municipalities as the transition progresses.” However, recruitment efforts will be initiated to “reduce long-term cost increases.”

Today Huntsville staff indicated that Lake of Bays wanted out of the agreement sooner, with a transition date set for July 1^st, however, the Township will honour the contract where applicable for the remainder of the year.

Monahan explained that they will still work together operationally for the duration of the agreement, however, they now have two separate departments, including their own dispatch systems and other programs. 

Mayor, Nancy Alcock, confirmed that Lake of Bays “wants to move on this.”

She added that Huntsville staff expressed that it’s “really great working with Lake of Bays” which works for both departments.

She continued that more detailed information is to come.

Monahan confirmed that the Town’s department will continue as the “Huntsville Fire Department” as of July.