Written By Olena Riznyk
LUCAN BIDDULPH – In a significant move toward modernizing local emergency services, council voted at its May 20 meeting to begin the process of dissolving both the Lucan Biddulph and Biddulph-Blanshard Fire Area Boards. The goal is to establish a unified fire department under a single municipal structure by January 1, 2026.
The decision follows recommendations from the Fire Services Advisory Committee, which has been reviewing the township’s fire governance as part of a broader strategic plan. The resolution passed at the meeting marks the official starting point for what is expected to be a gradual but important transformation in how fire services are managed in the municipality.
“This is an administrative change,” said Mayor Cathy Burghardt-Jesson during the meeting. “The public will not see any difference in day-to-day fire service delivery.”
CAO Ron Reymer echoed this message, assuring council and residents that frontline operations would remain unaffected during the transition. “Both fire stations will remain active and staffed,” he said. “Residents will continue to receive the same level of service they have come to expect.”
Currently, the two fire boards operate under separate agreements involving Lucan Biddulph and Perth South. While functional, the model has become increasingly complex in terms of budgeting, staffing, and long-term planning.
By consolidating fire services into a single department—similar to how the township manages Parks and Recreation or Public Works—council hopes to streamline administration and improve coordination.
“This move allows us to modernize our operations while respecting the legacy and dedication of our local firefighters,” said Councillor Hodgins, who sits on the Fire Services Advisory Committee.
The dissolution process will include developing terms of reference for a transition group composed of senior administrative leaders from both municipalities. This group will work through operational details, legal requirements, and staffing considerations in the months ahead.
Officials from Perth South are also expected to approve a similar motion to allow the shared service realignment to move forward.
While some details—such as the final department structure and leadership roles—are still to be determined, council emphasized that transparency and collaboration would be central to the transition.
“This is the first step toward building a more efficient, responsive, and unified fire department,” Burghardt-Jesson said. “It’s about better governance, not reducing service.”
Further updates on the transition process are expected to be shared at upcoming council meetings and through official township channels.
