Lake of Bays approves new Squad 55 auxiliary responder team for Interlaken Station 50

The township will launch the new Lake of Bays Fire Rescue branding on Canada Day

Lake of Bays Council approved the implementation of Squad 55, a new auxiliary responder team based out of Interlaken Station 50, during its May 12, 2026, meeting.

Director of Emergency Services and Fire Chief Jeremy Aldred-Hughes reported the initiative is intended to enhance firefighting operations and improve emergency response capabilities across the municipality using a multi-purpose support vehicle.

He told Council that the department has “done an operational review on equipment and how we operate.”

The report outlines several operational challenges currently faced by Lake of Bays Fire Rescue, including limited air-filling capabilities for self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) cylinders used during firefighting operations.

Hughes indicated that firefighters currently need to transport an average of 15 to 25 air cylinders to another fire station for refilling during active incidents, a process that can take approximately an hour and requires both personnel and a vehicle.

The Township's current compressor system is also due for replacement and is reportedly underpowered for efficiently filling SCBA bottles.

Under the approved plan, a surplus rescue vehicle previously used at the Port Cunnington Fire Station will be transferred to Interlaken Station 50 and repurposed as Squad 55. The vehicle will be equipped with a cascade refilling system allowing firefighters to refill between 20 and 25 air cylinders directly at emergency scenes, reducing turnaround times and limiting travel back and forth from incidents.

The truck will also carry additional forestry, hazmat, rehabilitation, and medical equipment, providing added support during major calls throughout the municipality.

Hughes also indicated that the second phase of the program includes the creation of a local auxiliary responder team made up of current firefighters and seasonal support members. Auxiliary responders will receive basic training in areas such as first aid and rehabilitation support but will not participate in active firefighting operations.

Staff plan to report back to Council after six months and again after one year with updates on the program's performance, call responses, training activity, and return on investment.

The report estimates the additional cost of the project at approximately $14,000 for the air cascade system, funded through existing operational budget lines.

The department was also approved to add a third tower site for their communication grid. The report explains, “Reinstalling communications equipment at the Millar Hill Tower and linking it with the Britannia and Baysville towers would provide optimal communications coverage across the entire municipality.”

It adds, “To install equipment at the Millar Hill site it is quoted at $43,000.00 by our contracted vendor. Monthly lease of $550.00 a month to the communications tower for the housing of the radio equipment including hydro and emergency backup power. Installation costing will be funded through current Fire Service Operating Budget with monthly leasing costing included in future operations budgeting.”

Council also approved the recommendation to launch the newly branded Lake of Bays Fire Rescue on Canada day, which according to Hughes will include activities, music, entertainment, fire trucks, public education and a fireworks display.

The department also plans on making fireworks an annual event.

Councillor, Mike Peppard, said, “Our community has been hoping for this for awhile.”

Councillor, Rick Brooks, suggested looking into getting sponsorships for the event, in addition to attendee donations.

Hughes indicated that the launch and fireworks will start this year at the Dwight Beach, and their goal is to change the locations annually to the different village within Lake of Bays.