Saugeen Shores’ fire department saw a 13 per cent increase in calls last year.
Fire Chief Ed Melanson says in a report to council in 2025, they responded to 345 calls. 16 of those calls were fires (4.6 per cent of all calls) they went to 78 medical calls (22 per cent) 34 collisions (nearly 10 per cent) and 13 water/ ice rescues ( nearly 4 per cent)
To compare, 2024 saw 305 total calls and 2023 saw 225 calls.
About 51 active volunteer firefighter responders contributed 3,189 hours of emergency response in 2025.
Melanson’s report says fire losses in Saugeen Shores reported to the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office was $2.9 million. He says the estimated property damage saved through firefighting response and tactics was $6.8 million.
In 2025, the department began using St. Catharines Fire Dispatch, instead of Owen Sound, which Melanson says in his report is, “A fire only dispatcher with NFPA certification, Nexgen 911 completion and significant monetary savings.”
They also celebrated the opening of the Centre for Training Excellence in Port Elgin. Melanson’s report says, “This facility has proven invaluable in focusing our training on live fire attack, rescue methodologies, forcible entry techniques and firefighter survival. These repetitions will aid in firefighter safety while increasing competency.”
The fire chief says priorities for 2026 include launching a new records management system, starting the administrative compliance system pilot, and planning a fire hall replacement for Station 60.