Establish and Regulate a Fire Department

In this by-law unless the context otherwise requires:

• “Approved” means approved by Council.
• “Automatic Aid” means an Approved agreement under which a municipality that is capable of responding more quickly to an area, agrees to provide an initial response to fires, rescues, and emergencies in another municipality, or where a municipality agrees to provide a supplemental response to fires, rescues, or emergencies that may occur in another municipality
• “Chief Administrative Officer” means the person appointed by Council to act as chief administrative officer for the Corporation.
•  “Corporation” means the Corporation of the Township of South Stormont.
• “Council” means the Council of the Township of South Stormont.
• “Deputy Chief / Training Officer” means the person appointed by a by-law of Council to act as Deputy Fire Chief / Training Officer for the delivery of fire protection services and training as defined within the Fire Protection and Prevention Act.”
• “District Fire Chief” means the four persons appointed by Council to act on behalf of the Fire Chief in the case of absence or a vacancy in the office of the Fire Chief
• “Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act” means the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, 1990, S.O. c. E.9, as amended, and any successor legislation.
• “Fire Chief” means the person appointed by a by-law of Council to act as Fire Chief for the delivery of fire protection services as defined the Fire Protection and Prevention Act.
• “Fire Code” means Ontario Regulation 213/07, as amended, and any successor regulation.
• “Fire and Rescue Department” means the Fire and Rescue Department of the Township of South Stormont.
• “Firefighter” means the Fire Chief and any other person employed in, or appointed to, the Fire Department to undertake Fire Protection Services, and shall include a Volunteer Firefighter.
• “Fire Protection and Prevention Act” means the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, S.O. 1997, c.4, as amended, and any successor legislation.
• “Fire Protection Services” includes fire suppression, rescue and emergency services, fire prevention, public fire safety education, mitigation, prevention and safety education of the risk created by unsafe levels of carbon monoxide, communications, training of personnel involved in the provision of Fire Protection Services, and the delivery of all those services.
• “Limited Service" means a variation of service significantly differentiating from the norm as a result of extenuating circumstances, such as deployment of Volunteer Firefighters in insufficient numbers to safely carry out the delivery of Fire Protection Services, environmental factors, remote properties, impeded access, private roadways, lanes and drives, obstructions, or extraordinary hazards or unsafe conditions.
• “Member” means any person employed in or appointed to the Fire and Rescue Department and assigned to undertake fire protection services, and includes officers, part time and volunteer firefighters.
• “Municipal Act” means the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c.25, as amended, and any successor legislation.
• “Officer” means Fire Chief, District Chief, Captain, Acting Captain, Fire Prevention Officer, and any person designated by the Fire Chief to supervise Firefighters.
• “Volunteer Firefighter” means Members of the Fire and Rescue Department assigned to undertake fire protection services on a volunteer basis or for a nominal consideration or honourarium as defined in the Fire Protection and Prevention Act.

A Fire and Rescue Department for the Township of South Stormont to be known as Township of South Stormont Fire and Rescue Department is hereby established, and the head of the Fire and Rescue Department shall be known as the Fire Chief.

The mission of South Stormont Fire and Rescue Department is to provide fire protection services through a range of programs designed to protect the lives and property of the inhabitants from the adverse effects of fires, or exposure to dangerous conditions created by persons or nature.

Council shall appoint a Fire Chief who shall be the highest-ranking Officer and director of the Fire and Rescue Department. 

The Deputy Chief/Training Officer shall be appointed by Council who shall report to the Fire Chief as the second highest ranking Officer of the Fire and Rescue Department and who, in the case of an absence or a vacancy in the office of the Fire Chief, shall have the powers and perform the duties of the Fire Chief.  Furthermore, the Deputy Chief/Training Officer will oversee all training for firefighters.

ln addition to the Fire Chief, four (4) District Chiefs shall be appointed by Council who shall report to the Fire Chief as the second highest ranking Officer of the Fire and Rescue Department and who, in the case of an absence or a vacancy in the office of the Fire Chief, shall have the powers and perform the duties of the Fire Chief.

The Fire Department shall be structured in conformance with the Approved Fire and Rescue Department Organizational Chart as set out in Schedule “A” of this by-law attached hereto and forming part of this by-law.

Working conditions, remuneration, and procedures for termination of employment for Firefighters other than Volunteer Firefighters shall be determined by Council in conformance with the provisions of Part IX of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act.

The Fire and Rescue Department shall provide such Fire Protection Services and programs as approved by Council in accordance with Part II of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, and set out in Schedule "B" attached hereto and forming part of this by-law.

ln consideration of the reliance by the Fire and Rescue Department on the response of Volunteer Firefighters, whose deployment to emergencies in sufficient numbers cannot in all instances be guaranteed, as well as potentially adverse climate conditions, delays or unavailability of specialized equipment required by the Fire and Rescue Department, or other extraordinary circumstances which may impede the delivery of Fire Protection Services, any Approved service set out in Schedule "B" may from time to time be provided as a Limited Service as defined in this by-law, as determined by the Fire Chief, their designate, or the highest ranking Officer in charge of a response.

The Corporation shall accept no liability for the provision of a Limited Service by the Fire and Rescue Department as reasonably necessary.

The Fire and Rescue Department shall not respond outside the limits of the municipality except with respect to a fire, rescue or emergency:

• That, in the opinion of the Fire Chief or designate, threatens property in the municipality, or property situated outside the municipality that is owned or occupied by the municipality;
• ln a municipality with which an approved agreement has been entered into to provide fire protection services, which may include automatic aid;
• On property for which an approved agreement has been entered into with any person or corporation to provide fire protection services;
• At the discretion of the Fire Chief or designate, to a municipality authorized to participate in any county, district or regional mutual aid plan established by a fire coordinator appointed by the Fire Marshal or any other similar reciprocal plan or program; or
• Where the Fire Chief or designate determines immediate action is necessary to preserve life or property and the appropriate department is notified to respond and assume command or establish alternative measures acceptable to the Fire Chief or designate.

The Fire is responsible to Council and under the general direction of the Chief Administrative Officer for the proper administration and operation of the Fire and Rescue Department, including delivery of Fire Protection Services.

The Fire Chief shall be deemed to be the Chief Fire Official of the municipality for the purposes of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act and regulations enacted thereunder, and shall have all statutory authority and shall carry out all prescribed duties and responsibilities in respect thereof.

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Fire Chief shall be authorized and responsible for:

• Performing all statutory duties of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act and any other legislation applicable to the administration or operation of the Fire Department.
• Reporting to Council as required by the Fire Protection and Prevention Act and in accordance with the provisions established by the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
• Enforcement of this by-law and any regulations established under this by-law, and the enforcement of any other by-laws of the Corporation respecting the administration and operation of the Fire and Rescue  Department.
• Periodically reviewing this by-law and any other by-laws of the Corporation respecting the administration and operation of the Fire and Rescue Department, and the Fire Chief may establish an advisory committee consisting of such Members of the Fire and Rescue Department and other persons, possibly including members of the general public, as may be necessary from time to time to assist in discharging this duty.
• Recommending to Council amendments to this by-law, or any other by-law of the Corporation, that the Fire Chief considers relevant and appropriate.
• Developing, establishing, and implementing policies, standard operating procedures and guidelines, general orders and department rules, and other measures as the Fire Chief may consider necessary for the proper administration and efficient operation of the Fire and Rescue Department.
• Periodically reviewing, revising, or revoking as required, all policies, standard operating procedures and guidelines, general orders, and rules of the Fire and Rescue Department, and the Fire Chief may establish an advisory committee from time to time to assist in discharging these duties.
• Arranging for the provision and allotment of strategic staffing and proper facilities, apparatus, equipment, materials, services and supplies for the Fire and Rescue Department.
• The proper care and protection of all Fire and Rescue Department property.
• Arranging and implementing automatic aid, mutual aid and other negotiated and/or approved fire protection and emergency service agreements between the Corporation and other municipalities.
• Determining and establishing the qualifications and criteria for employment or appointment, and the duties and responsibilities of all Members of the Fire and Rescue Department.
• Appointment, subject to the Township’s Recruitment and Succession Planning Policies, of any qualified person as a Member of the Fire and Rescue Department.
• The conduct and discipline of all Members of the Fire and Rescue Department, pursuant to the Township’s Progressive Discipline Policy.
• Keeping an accurate record of all fires, rescues and emergencies responded to by the Fire and Rescue Department, all fire safety inspections and fire investigations, and other such records as may be required in a manner consistent with the Township’s Records Management Policy.
• Enforcement of the Fire Code, reporting all fires to the Fire Marshal, and complying with all Fire Marshal's directives as mandated by the Fire Protection and Prevention Act.
• Reporting to the appropriate Crown Attorney or other prosecutor, or law enforcement or other officer, the facts upon the evidence in any case in which there is reason to believe that a fire has been the result of criminal intent or negligence, or in which there is reason to believe that an offence has been committed under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, or other applicable regulation or statute.
• Preparing and presenting annual reports and periodic reports to Council as deemed necessary by the Fire Chief, and any other specific reports as directed by Council.
• Preparing and submitting annual budget estimates for approval by Council, and effectively administering, monitoring, and controlling the Fire and Rescue Department operating and capital budgets.

The Fire Chief shall be responsible for coordinating the Township of South Stormont Emergency Management Program, and assisting with the preparation, implementation, and maintenance of the municipal Emergency Plan pursuant to the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.

The Fire Chief shall be responsible for assisting other public officials in an emergency declared by the Head of Council, the Premier of Ontario, or the Prime Minister of Canada.

The Fire Chief shall exercise all powers and duties prescribed by the Fire Protection and Prevention Act and shall be empowered to take all reasonable and proper measures for the prevention, control, and extinguishment of fires, and for the protection of life, property and the environment, and for the management of emergencies within the jurisdiction of the municipality.

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Fire Chief and their designates shall be empowered and authorized to carry out the following:

• Enforcement of all municipal by-laws in respect of fire safety and fire prevention.
• Pulling down or demolishing any building or structure when necessary to prevent the spread of fire.
• Any necessary action to guard against fire or other danger, risk, or accident, which may include boarding up or barricading of buildings or property, when unable to contact the owner of the property.
• Recovery of costs incurred by such necessary actions for the Corporation in a manner provided by the Municipal Act and the Fire Protection and Prevention Act.
• Taking any and all steps as set out in Parts V, Vl and Vll of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act.

As set out in the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, the Fire Chief may delegate any of their powers or duties to the Deputy Fire Chief or any Officer or Member that the Fire Chief deems appropriate, subject to such limitations, restrictions or conditions as may be set out in the delegation, and such Officer or Member so delegated shall have all the powers and shall perform all duties as delegated.

If, as the result of a Fire Department response to a fire, rescue, or other emergency, the Fire Chief, their designate, or the highest ranking Officer in charge determines that it is necessary to retain a private contractor, rent special equipment, or use consumable materials other than water in order to suppress or extinguish a fire, preserve property, prevent a fire from spreading, remove hazardous materials, assist in or otherwise conduct an investigation to determine the cause of a fire, or otherwise control or eliminate an emergency situation, the Corporation shall recover the costs incurred for taking such actions from the owner of the property on which the fire or other emergency occurred.

The Corporation may recover costs incurred by such necessary actions in a manner provided by the Municipal Act and the Fire Protection and Prevention Act in accordance with the fees prescribed by the applicable Fees and Charges By-law of the Corporation from time to time.

A fee imposed upon a person under this by-law, including any interest, penalty charges and costs of collection, constitutes a debt of the person to the Corporation, and a person who is so charged and fails to pay the fee within thirty days of receipt of an invoice shall be charged interest in accordance with the applicable Fees and Charges By-law of the Corporation.

If a property owner who is charged a fee under this by-law fails to pay the fee within ninety days of receipt of an invoice, the Corporation may add the fee, including penalty and interest, to the tax roll for any real property in the Township of South Stormont registered in the name of the owner and collect the fee, including penalty and interest, in like manner as municipal taxes.

Every Member shall conduct themselves in accordance with the South Stormont Firefighter Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards, all Township of South Stormont policies in addition to general orders, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations made by the Fire Chief and shall give their whole and undivided attention while on duty to the efficient operation of the fire department and shall perform the duties assigned to them to the best of their ability in accordance with the Fire Prevention and Protection Act. 

The employment of Volunteer Firefighters shall be governed by the Volunteer Firefighter Terms and Conditions of Employment as set out in Schedule "C" attached hereto and forming part of this by-law.

No person shall obstruct, hinder, or interfere with the Fire Chief or any Member of the Fire and Rescue Department in the performance of their duties in accordance with this by-law and the Fire Protection and Prevention Act.

Every person who contravenes any provision of this by-law is guilty of an offence and, upon conviction, is liable to a penalty established by the Provincial Offences Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. P.33, as may be amended from time to time, and any successor legislation.

Should a court of competent jurisdiction find any section or provision, or part thereof, of this by-law to be invalid or to be of no force and effect, such section or provision or part thereof shall be deemed to be severable, and all other sections or provisions or parts of this by-law shall be deemed to be separate and independent there from and to be enacted as such.

By-law No. 2009-085, and any other by-laws inconsistent with this by-law are hereby repealed.

This By-law shall come into full force and effect on the day of passing.

South Stormont Fire and Rescue:

Fire Department Organizational Chart

The Fire and Rescue Department shall be structured in conformance with the following Fire and Rescue Department Organizational Chart:

South Stormont Fire and Rescue: Approved Services and Programs

The Fire Department shall provide the following services and programs:

Emergency Response

Basic Firefighting Services:

• The Fire Department shall respond to fires, alarms of fire, and pre-fire conditions to provide fire suppression services, and shall exercise best efforts to conform to the most recent edition of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1720, Standard for the Organization and Deployment of Fire Suppression Operations, Emergency Medical Operations, and Special Operations to the Public by Volunteer Fire Departments as revised from time to time.

Structural Firefighting Services: 

• For the purpose of this Schedule, “Structural Firefighting” shall have the same meaning as defined by NFPA 1720, Standard for the Organization and Deployment of Fire Suppression Operations, Emergency Medical Operations, and Special Operations to the Public by Volunteer Fire Departments.
• Interior Search and Rescue shall be provided when possible and as appropriate in accordance with the following:
  • Service shall be provided to search for and rescue endangered, trapped or potentially trapped persons within the structure.
  • Service shall be provided only when, in the opinion of the Fire Chief or most senior Officer in charge, all of the following are true:
    • A scene risk assessment has been completed, and the level of risk reasonably justifies entry into the structure;
    • Building integrity permits entry into the structure;
    • Sufficient Firefighter staffing is deployed at the fireground;
    • Reliable water supply with adequate flow can be sustained;
    • Adequate fireground supervision and support is provided.
• Interior Fire Suppression (Offensive Operations) shall be provided when possible and as appropriate in accordance with the following:
  • Service shall be provided to contain the fire and prevent further loss of property.
  • Service shall be provided only when, in the opinion of the Fire Chief or most senior Officer in charge, all of the following are true:
    • A scene risk assessment has been completed, and level of risk reasonably justifies Firefighter entry into the structure;
    • Building integrity permits entry into the structure;
    • Sufficient Firefighter staffing is deployed at the fireground;
    • Reliable water supply with adequate flow can be sustained;
    • Adequate fireground supervision and support is provided
• Exterior Fire Suppression (Defensive Operations) shall be provided when possible and as appropriate, in the opinion of the Fire Chief or most senior Officer in charge, in accordance with the following:
  • There shall be no expected rescue component with this service.
  • Service shall be provided to prevent fire spread to adjacent areas.
  • Service shall be provided when Interior Fire Suppression is not possible or appropriate.
  • Service shall be provided as water supply permits.

Rural Firefighting Operations:

• Rural firefighting operations using tanker shuttle service shall be provided in areas without municipal water supply and best efforts shall be exercised to conform to NFPA 1142, Standard on Water Supplies for Suburban and Rural Fire Fighting.
• The Fire Department shall maintain Superior Tanker Shuttle Service accreditation by Fire Underwriters Survey or other recognized accreditation body.

Vehicle Firefighting Services:

• Service shall be provided to control and extinguish vehicle fires.

Grass, Brush, and Forestry Firefighting Services:

• Service shall be provided and best efforts shall be exercised to conform to NFPA 1143, Standard for Wildland Fire Management.

Marine Firefighting Services:

• Marine firefighting service shall be limited to shore-based, defensive firefighting operations only.

Automatic Aid Response Services:

• Service shall be provided in accordance with any Automatic Aid agreements approved by Council.

Mutual Aid Response Services:

• Service shall be provided in accordance with the Mutual Assistance Agreement established in respect to the municipalities within the United Counties of Stormont Dundas and Glengarry and the City of Cornwall pursuant to clause 7(2)(a) of the Fire Protection and Prevention Act.

Tiered Medical Assistance Services: 

• Service shall be provided in accordance with the Emergency Medical Tiered Response Agreement between the Cornwall, Stormont Dundas and Glengarry Emergency Medical Services, the Ottawa Central Ambulance Communications Centre and South Stormont Fire and Rescue.

Ambulance Assistance Services:

• Service shall be provided to assist Emergency Medical Services with emergency and non-emergency situations with respect to providing access and/or the provision of care to patients.

Police Assistance Services:

• Service shall be provided to assist Police with emergency and non-emergency situations for which the Fire and Rescue Department has the equipment and/or specialized skills to assist.

Public Assistance Services:

• Service shall be provided to assist the public with emergency and non-emergency situations for which the Fire and Rescue Department has the equipment and/or specialized skills.

Public Hazard Assistance Services:

• Carbon monoxide Incidents – Response shall be provided to carbon monoxide alarms and emergencies.
• Public Utility Incidents – Response shall be provided to public utility incidents that pose a public hazard, including:
  • Electrical utility emergencies
  • Natural gas utility emergencies.

Vehicle Accident Services:

• The Fire and Rescue Department shall respond to vehicle accidents to provide the following services:
  • Stabilizing the scene of the accident
  • Stabilizing the vehicles involved in the accident;
  • Providing aid to injured or trapped persons;
  • Mitigating adverse effects to the natural environment.

Vehicle Extrication Services:

• Vehicle search and rescue services, including extrication, shall be provided at the Technician Level in accordance with NFPA 1670, Standard for Operations and Training for Technical Search and Rescue Incidents.

Transportation Incidents involving Vehicles, Trains, Aircraft, Watercraft:

• Response shall be provided to large-scale transportation incidents that may involve large numbers of casualties, widespread damage to property, and/or significant environmental impact.

Highway Incident Services:

• Fire Protection Services shall be provided to Provincial Highway 138 and other provincial highways.
• Costs associated with Fire and Rescue response to provincial highways shall be recovered in accordance with applicable provincial fire service agreements.

Hazardous Materials Response Services:

• Service shall be provided at the Operations Level in accordance with NFPA 472, Standard for Competence of Responders to Hazardous Materials Incidents.
• Hazardous materials response services at the NFPA 472 Technician Level shall not be provided by the Fire Department.

Water and Ice Rescue Services:

• Surface Water Rescue – Service shall be provided at the Technician Level in accordance with NFPA 1670, Standard for Operations and Training for Technical Search and Rescue Incidents, and may include shore based, water entry, and boat rescue operations, provided firefighters are trained at the Technician level on scene for ago rescue.
• Ice Rescue – Service shall be provided at the Technician Level in accordance with the NFPA 1670 standard Incidents, and may include shore based, water entry, and boat rescue operations, provided firefighters are trained at the Technician level on scene for ago rescue.
• Recovery services to retrieve animals, property, or human remains by entering into or onto a body of water, or onto ice over a body of water, shall not be provided by the Fire and Rescue Department.

Urban Search and Rescue Services:

• Fire Department response to urban search and rescue incidents shall be limited to providing Structural Collapse Search and Rescue services at the Awareness Level in accordance with NFPA 1670, Standard for Operations and Training for Technical Search and Rescue Incidents.
• Urban search and rescue service requiring structural collapse search and rescue services at the Operations or Technician Levels shall not be provided by the Fire Department.

Farm and Silo Rescue Services:

• Fire Department response to farm and silo rescue incidents that involve a rope rescue and/or a confined space rescue component shall be limited to providing such technical rescue services at the Awareness Level in accordance with the NFPA 1670 standard.
• Farm and silo rescue incidents requiring rope rescue and/or confined space rescue services at the Operations or Technician Levels shall not be provided by the Fire Department.

Community Emergency Plan Response Services:

• Service shall be provided in accordance with the Approved Township of South Stormont Emergency Management Program.

Assistant to the Fire Marshal Services – Fire Suppression:

• Duties of Assistant to the Fire Marshal shall be carried out as prescribed by the Fire Protection and Prevention Act. 

Fire Prevention and Public Education

Fire Prevention Operational Procedures: 

• Fire Prevention
• Inspections
• Enforcement
• Fire Safety Plans
• Fire Cause Determination
• Mobile Food Vendors
• Plans Review
• The Arson Prevention Program for Children
• Enhanced Procedures During a Pandemic

Fire Inspection Services: 

• Conducting complaints inspections.
• Conducting vulnerable occupancy inspections.
• Conducting requested inspections.
• Conducting routine inspections.
• Conducting licensing inspections.
• Systems checking, testing and approval.
• Enforcing code compliance.
• Enforcing municipal by-laws
• Issuing permits.
• Preparing reports and issuing written responses to requests.

Public Education Services: 

• Providing fire and life safety public education programs
• Facilitating smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm initiatives.
• Distributing public safety messaging to the media.
• Delivery of specialized programs.

Fire Investigation Services: 

• Determining cause and origin of fires and explosions.
• Assessing code compliance.
• Determining effectiveness of built-in suppression features.
• Determining compliance with building standards.
• Interacting with police, fire investigators, and other agencies.
• Supporting criminal prosecutions, including appearances in court.

Plans Examination Services:

• Reviewing and approving fire safety plans.
• Examining and providing comment on new construction and renovation plans.
• Reviewing and providing comment on subdivision and development agreements.
• Reviewing and providing comment on site plans.
• Inspecting sites of approved plans to determine compliance.

Risk Assessment Services:

• Conducting community fire risk assessments.
• Compiling, analyzing and disseminating functional statistics.
• Selecting appropriate fire service programs.

Consultation Services:

• Consulting with families, schools, health professionals, and police with respect to The Arson Prevention Program for Children.
• Consulting with architects, engineers, planners, and builders.
• Interacting with building departments.
• Interacting with other government agencies.
• Providing input into fire prevention policy development.

Assistant to the Fire Marshal Services – Fire Prevention: 

• Duties of Assistant to the Fire Marshal shall be carried out as prescribed by the Fire Protection and Prevention Act.

Emergency Planning

Pre-Incident Planning Services: 

• Pre-incident plans shall be developed and maintained in accordance with NFPA 1620, Standard for Pre-Incident Planning.

Community Emergency Management Planning Services: 

• Collaborating with the development, review, revision, and implementation of the Approved Township of South Stormont Emergency Plan.

Fire Department Administration

Planning and Development Services: 

• Strategic planning.
• Evaluating Fire Department programs and services.
• Projecting station locations and reallocations.
• Determining staffing levels and assignments.
• Developing policies, procedures, standard operating guidelines.
• Coordinating with other emergency services.
• Coordinating development with other municipal departments.  

Financial Services:

• Coordinating with the Finance Department for financial services.
• Coordinating use of information and statistics from suppression and fire prevention activities to determine funding requirements.
• Providing input into levels of service based on available funding.
• Developing and administering operating and capital budgets.
• Identifying alternative sources of revenue and fees for services.
• Initiating cost recovery measures.
• Purchasing.

Records Management Services: 

• Documenting Fire and Rescue Department activities.
• Maintaining Fire and Rescue Department records in accordance with records retention policies and applicable legislation.
• Complying with all applicable freedom of information legislation, including the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.45, as amended, or successor legislation.

Department Human Resources Services:

• Recruitment, selection, promotion, and retention of staff.
• Performance evaluation.
• Career development.
• Job classifications.
• Discipline.

Customer Relations Services:

• Environmental scanning, anticipating pressures and developing communication strategies.
• Enhancing public image of the Fire and Rescue Department and its staff.
• Developing and maintaining inter-agency relationships.

Health and Safety Services:

• Implementing a Fire and Rescue Department health and safety program.
• Implementing a joint health and safety committee for the Fire Department.
• Implementing an occupational exposure program.
• Establishing a Designated Officer with respect to communicable disease regulations.

Legal Services: 

• Carrying out mandated enforcement duties of the Fire and Rescue Department in accordance with applicable by-laws, statutes and regulations.
• Assisting in the prosecution of offences under applicable by-laws and statutes.

Communications

Dispatch Services: 

• Arranging for the provision of dispatch services from an external agency to dispatch appropriate Fire and Rescue Department resources.
• Liaising with dispatch centres.
•  Providing current municipal information to the dispatch centres, including response protocols, mapping, local streets, property, and water service information, road closures, and caution notes.
• Monitoring Fire and Rescue Department dispatch centre performance and resolving any service issues.

Technology Services: 

• Arranging for maintenance, repair, and technical support of Fire and Rescue Department telecommunications and computer systems.
• Developing specifications for Fire and Rescue Department radios, communications devices and systems, and computers.
• Arranging for interface capabilities with other data systems.

Training and Education

Training Program Standards:

• Providing a training program for Firefighters that conforms to NFPA 1001, Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications.
• Providing a training program for apparatus drivers and operators that conforms to NFPA 1002, Standard for Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Professional Qualifications.
• Providing a training program for technical rescue operations that conforms to NFPA 1006, Standard for Technical Rescuer Professional Qualifications.
• Providing a training program for Officers that conforms to NFPA 1021, Standard for Fire Officer Professional Qualifications.
• Providing a training program for fire inspectors that conforms to NFPA 1031, Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Inspector and Plan Examiners.
• Providing a training program for fire investigations that conforms to NFPA 1033, Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigators.
• Providing a training program for fire and life safety educators that conforms to NFPA 1035, Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire and Life Safety Educator, Public Information Officer, and Juvenile Firesetter Intervention Specialist.
• Providing a training program for fire service instructors and training officers that conforms to NFPA 1041, Standard for Fire Service Instructor Professional Qualifications.
• Providing a training program for incident safety officers that conforms to NFPA 1521, Standard for Fire Department Safety Officer Professional Qualifications.

Providing Access to Training Facilities: 

• Coordinating access to appropriate training facilities.
• Delivering hands-on training to staff.

Providing Station Training: 

• Delivering curriculum specific to operational and strategic needs.
• Providing supervisory training drills.

Program Development Services:

• Developing trainer facilitators.
• Coordinating core curriculum.
• Providing officer training and development.
• Developing specialized staff development programs.

Maintenance

Fleet and Equipment Maintenance Services: 

• Maintaining fleet and equipment (both routine and emergency).
• Providing periodic inspection and testing programs.
• Complying with the requirements of provincial regulations.
• Providing annual pump capacity and certification testing.
• Developing specifications for new apparatus and equipment.
• Acceptance testing of new apparatus and equipment.
• Maintaining, testing, and calibrating specialized equipment.

Facilities Maintenance Services: 

• Providing routine cleaning and housekeeping of fire stations.
• Arranging for maintenance and repair of fire station infrastructure.
• Providing input regarding design and construction of fire stations.

South Stormont Fire and Rescue:

Volunteer Firefighter Terms and Conditions of Employment

The employment of Volunteer Firefighters shall be governed by the following:

Volunteer Firefighter Employment

• The employment of Volunteer Firefighters shall be governed by the Employment Standards Act, 2000, S.O. 2000, c.41, as amended, and the Ontario Human Rights Code, RSO 1990, c H.19, as amended.
• The employment of Volunteer Firefighters shall be further governed by the South Stormont Firefighters Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards and all South Stormont Human Resource Policies.
• To be eligible for appointment to the position of Volunteer Firefighter, every candidate shall:
  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Be medically fit to perform the duties of Firefighter and produce a medical evaluation report to the satisfaction of the Fire Chief from a qualified medical practitioner which attests to the candidate’s ability to endure the physical, emotional, and psychological demands of performing the essential job tasks of Firefighter in accordance with NFPA 1582, Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments.
  • Be physically fit to perform the duties of Firefighter and successfully complete a Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) to the satisfaction of the Fire Chief.
  • Complete a Criminal Record Check which indicates no record of unpardoned criminal or summary convictions for offences that would adversely affect public trust, and a Police Vulnerable Sector Check which indicates no record of sexual offences.
  • Reside in the Township and/or within proximity acceptable to the Fire Chief to a Township fire station in order to be able to respond to emergencies in a manner consistent with the deployment criteria of NFPA 1720, Standard for the Organization and Deployment of Fire Suppression Operations, Emergency Medical Operations, and Special Operations to the Public by Volunteer Fire Departments.
  • Complete and successfully pass all written, oral, and physical examinations to the satisfaction of the Fire Chief.
  • Have the ability to attend an acceptable number of emergency calls on a call-out basis, as determined by the Fire Chief.
  • Have the ability to meet the training attendance requirements of the Fire Department, as determined by the Fire Chief.
• Every newly appointed Volunteer Firefighter shall complete a term of probation of 12 months, during which time they shall successfully complete all training and examinations, and shall meet all attendance and performance expectations, as may be required by the Fire Chief.
• At the discretion of the Fire Chief, a probationary Firefighter may be placed on an additional term of probation of up to 12 months at the completion of the initial probationary period should circumstances warrant, and the probationary Firefighter shall successfully complete all training and examinations, and shall meet all attendance and performance expectations during the additional probationary period.
• In consideration of the physical, emotional, and psychological demands associated with performing the essential job tasks of a Firefighter, the recognition under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 as amended, that certain cancers and other illnesses are presumed to be occupational diseases due to the nature of Firefighters’ employment, and the Corporation’s responsibility to ensure the safety, health and wellness of employees performing fire suppression and emergency response duties, the Corporation may:
  • Require every Volunteer Firefighter to produce a medical evaluation report from a qualified medical practitioner prior to appointment which attests to the candidate’s medical fitness to perform the duties of Firefighter.
  • Establish a medical screening and monitoring program wherein every Volunteer Firefighter shall be required to periodically undergo a medical examination and produce a medical evaluation report from a qualified medical practitioner confirming the Volunteer Firefighter’s fitness to perform the duties of Firefighter.
  • Establish a program to ensure each Volunteer Firefighter’s continued physical ability to perform the duties of Firefighter by successfully completing a Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) beginning at an age determined by the Fire Chief and periodically thereafter.
• Every Member who is required to carry out any Approved Emergency Response program or service as set out in Section B.1 of Appendix “B” of the By-Law to Establish and Regulate a Fire Department, shall be medically and physically fit to perform the duties of Firefighter, and shall submit to a medical examination and/or a Candidate Physical Ability Test at such times as the Fire Chief may reasonably require.
• If a qualified medical practitioner finds a Volunteer Firefighter to be unfit to perform the essential job tasks of Firefighter, the Corporation may take such actions it deems necessary in respect of the Volunteer Firefighter’s employment subject to the Corporation’s duty to accommodate pursuant to the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Remuneration

• The rate of remuneration of Volunteer Firefighters shall be adjusted each year in accordance with Township’s Salary Administration Policy.
• Volunteer Firefighters shall be paid a minimum of one (1) hours at their applicable rate of pay for responding to emergency calls, attending training, and attending other Fire Department activities approved by the Fire Chief or designate, and shall be paid one-half (1/2) hour for every one-half (1/2) hour or part thereof worked beyond the first hour.
• Volunteer Firefighters shall be paid Vacation Pay at a rate of 4% of their gross earnings.
• In accordance with the Employment Standards Act, 2000, Volunteer Firefighters shall not be eligible for overtime pay, public holidays or public holiday pay.
• In accordance with the regulations enacted under the Employment Standards Act, 2000, the rules governing daily and weekly limits on hours of work, daily rest periods, time off between shifts, and weekly/biweekly rest periods shall not apply to Volunteer Firefighters.

Workplace Safety and Insurance Board Coverage

For the purposes of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997, and the regulations enacted thereunder, Volunteer Firefighters of the Fire Department shall be considered workers as defined by the Act, and the Corporation shall be the deemed employer in respect of Workplace Safety and Insurance Board coverage for members of municipal volunteer fire brigades.

The Corporation shall maintain coverage for Volunteer Firefighters according to the annual maximum insurable earning ceiling as may be established by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board from time to time.

General Duties and Responsibilities

All Members shall conduct themselves in conformance with the By-law to Establish and Regulate a Fire Department, the Fire Department Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards, all applicable policies of the Corporation, and all policies, procedures, operating guidelines, general orders, and rules of the Fire Department, and shall faithfully and diligently perform their assigned duties to the best of their ability.

Discipline

Disciplinary action of any Member for an infraction of any provision of the By-law to Establish and Regulate a Fire Department, the Fire Department Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards or any applicable policy of the Corporation, or any policy, procedure operating guideline, order, directive, or rule of the Fire Department, may result in action taken, pursuant to the Township’s Progressive Discipline Policy. 

Leaves of Absence

Volunteer Firefighters shall be entitled to all statutory unpaid leaves of absence to which they are entitled under the provisions of the Employment Standards Act, 2000, or the Township’s Legislated Leaves Policy.

Termination

The employment relationship between a Volunteer Firefighter and the Corporation may be terminated pursuant to the Township’s Progressive Discipline Policy or a Volunteer Firefighter may terminate employment by providing written notice to the Fire Chief or designate.