Fire and Emergency Services

The development of fire protection services in Georgian Bay has a rich history. Before the Township of Georgian Bay was formed in 1971, the area comprised separate communities, including the townships of Freeman, Gibson, and Baxter, as well as several unincorporated settlements. Each community had its own initiatives towards establishing fire safety measures. 

In 1950, Bylaw 372 was established, which authorized the inauguration of the MacTier Fire Department. The new fire department’s first fire station was established on November 25, 1950. The new building marked a significant step forward in ensuring the community’s safety against fires and related threats. The new fire station also set the groundwork for future expansions and improvements within the area’s fire services

In the mid-1960s, the Honey Harbour Fire Department came into existence as a result of the efforts of local businesses and community members. Their collective effort to raise funds led to the acquisition of the fire department’s first fire truck, a used Buffalo Fire Truck, which the fire department purchased for $500. Initially, the truck was stationed in a garage owned by one of the firefighters.

In 1971, the Township of Georgian Bay was created, streamlining local government and paving the way for a unified approach to fire safety. One of the initial decisions by the council was to authorize the construction of fire stations in both Honey Harbour and MacTier in 1972, addressing the urgent need for proper emergency response facilities. Acknowledging the vast geographic area of the municipality and the limitations in emergency response coverage, Jack Walsh, a local councillor and firefighter, spearheaded the drive to establish a fire station in the Port Severn area. His persistence led the township to convert an old public works garage on Violet Drive into a fire hall, which was eventually replaced by a new fire station.

From the onset, the Department has benefitted immensely from the unwavering support of its officers, firefighters, and their families. The early years of the Department and its predecessors were characterized by a strong sense of community and self-reliance, with numerous fundraising activities undertaken to equip the fire department with the necessary tools and machinery to protect lives and property. This collaborative spirit has been instrumental in the development of fire protection services in Georgian Bay to the present day.

The Township of Georgian Bay presents a unique and demanding emergency response environment. Traversed by a significant stretch of Highway 400, the Township experiences heavy year-round traffic volumes, with dramatic increases during peak seasonal travel periods. This major transportation corridor requires rapid, coordinated responses to motor vehicle collisions, medical emergencies, and hazardous incidents.

Our permanent population expands substantially throughout the year, with a increased seasonal population. This influx places additional demands on emergency services, particularly during summer months, long weekends, and holiday periods.

Emergency coverage includes the more populated and urbanized communities of Honey Harbour, MacTier, and Port Severn, as well as vast rural, forested, and waterfront areas. The Georgian Bay Fire Department routinely responds to incidents involving residential structures, cottages, marinas, and remote properties.

In addition to land-based emergencies, the Township’s extensive shoreline and access to Georgian Bay require specialized marine response capabilities. Fire Department vessels are deployed for water rescues, medical calls, and fire suppression on and near the water, often in challenging weather and visibility conditions.

For multiple maps of the Township of Georgian Bay, please see our Maps webpage.