2008 Fire Master Plan - City of St. Catharines
2008 Fire Master Plan - City of St. Catharines
2008 Fire Master Plan - City of St. Catharines
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FIRE2.0RESCUEBackGroundMandate: To conduct a comprehensive examination, assessment and report on every aspect <strong>of</strong> <strong>Fire</strong> Services’mandate and its ability to deliver a broad range <strong>of</strong> services prescribed by Council and legislation suchas the <strong>Fire</strong> Protection and Prevention Act, 1997 and the Occupational Health and Safety Act.2.1 Mu n i c i pa l Pro f i l eThe <strong>City</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>St</strong> <strong>Catharines</strong> with a population <strong>of</strong> 131,990 covers an area <strong>of</strong> 28 sq miles. <strong>St</strong> <strong>Catharines</strong> isfast becoming a Municipality that is favored by the elderly. As indicated in the table below over 18% <strong>of</strong> thepopulation is 65 and over.Ages <strong>of</strong> population 2006 2001 % <strong>of</strong> Total Population 20060-14 21,385 22,145 16 (Ontario - 20)15-64 86,780 83,760 66 (Ontario - 67)65 and over 23,830 23,265 18 (Ontario - 13)Total Population 131,995 129,170 100Being a short distance from Niagara Falls, <strong>St</strong> <strong>Catharines</strong> does have a number <strong>of</strong> hotels/motels although whencompared to other Municipalities in Niagara the number is relatively small. Based on the OFM criteria <strong>St</strong> <strong>Catharines</strong>has a total <strong>of</strong> fourteen (14) hotels/motels.There are 73 institutional occupancies, including hospitals (3), nursing homes (20) homes for special care (27) grouphomes (26) in the city. The estimated number <strong>of</strong> individuals living in these occupancies is 2,847.The senior’s population (65 and over) has increased almost 36% since 1986. The 45-54 age category percentagechange for the same time period was 39%. The 2006 Census figures confirm that more persons will be occupyingthe above type’s buildings. In the coming years our seniors population will continue to grow. This in itself presents aconcern with regards to ensuring our elderly are properly trained and informed on the hazards that they might findwithin their homes.<strong>St</strong>. <strong>Catharines</strong> also has a population fluctuation from a large influx <strong>of</strong> students attending Brock University and NiagaraCollege from September to May; approx. 18,500 students in 2005. Brock has 2,391 on campus beds in variousapartment complexes, and town housing arrangements. Off campus student housing consists <strong>of</strong> single family dwellingsconverted to accommodate 6 – 9 students, and multi family dwelling units in apartments and townhouses. These types<strong>of</strong> occupancies pose significant challenges for the <strong>Fire</strong> Service especially in the area <strong>of</strong> public education and fireprevention activities.MASTER FIRE PLAN <strong>2008</strong> 11
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