Council weighing options
Kingston volunteer firefighters worry new station changes will slow emergency responses
Starting Feb. 17, 2025, volunteer firefighters from Station 7 on Woodbine Road will be reassigned to Stations 8 and 9, located north of Highway 401. This change could mean longer response times, especially for emergencies in Kingston’s growing west end.
Currently, volunteers respond to calls within 6–7 minutes, but driving to the new stations first may add significant delays. The move follows a 2022 report showing Kingston Fire and Rescue was struggling to meet response targets for over 41,000 residents.
While 20 new career firefighters were hired in 2023 to improve west-end coverage, volunteers worry the changes will reduce their ability to serve their community. Station 7 has only 18 volunteers, despite being allocated 34, due to recruitment challenges.
Some city councillors support the change, but others voice concerns about its impact on safety as new homes continue to be built in the west end.
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