(AGENPARL) – Fri 04 July 2025 City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
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News Release
July 4, 2025
City of Toronto strengthens emergency fire response with two new boats ahead of the busy summer season
The City of Toronto is enhancing its emergency fire response capabilities along the popular Toronto Islands and waterfront areas ahead of the busy summer season.
Today, Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik (Spadina-Fort York), and Jim Jessop, Fire Chief and General Manager, Toronto Fire Services, unveiled two new advanced boats with a ceremonial bottle break and an inaugural voyage of Toronto’s Harbourfront.
The two vessels will improve Toronto Fire Service’s (TFS) ability to protect life and property along the waterfront, Toronto Islands and nearby waterways. Both marine emergency response vessels are built for speed, agility and versatility, and will be housed at Fire Station 334 located on the Harbourfront. They are both equipped to operate in more shallow and narrow waterways that previously posed access challenges such as marinas and rivers.
New fire boat
The new 16.7-metre (55 feet) firefighting vessel currently named Fire Boat 334, is powered by twin diesel engines with jet propulsion offers both power and precision for rapid responses to fires, medical incidents, rescues, and hazardous materials situations. The vessel was manufactured in Kingston, Ontario before it sailed to Toronto.
New rescue boat
The 7.5 metre rescue vessel currently known as Rescue Boat 334, is designed for versatility and rapid deployment. The more agile craft offers faster deployment for flood response, search and rescue missions near Scarborough Bluffs and Toronto Islands, and support to land-based crews during waterfront emergencies.
Quotes:
“Toronto’s waterfront and the islands are loved by residents and attract millions of visitors every year. The new Toronto Fire Services boats will improve response times so first responders arrive faster in an emergency to keep everyone safe. Working in partnership with Chief Jim Jessop and Toronto’s firefighters, we are building a safer city for everyone.”
– Mayor Olivia Chow
“These new boats strengthen the emergency response for the vibrant, growing communities who live, work and enjoy Toronto’s incredible waterfront and waterways, especially in our busiest summer months. This provides important piece of mind and increases capacity for emergency responders to be where they are needed, when they are needed.”
– Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik (Spadina-Fort York)
“These new vessels represent a major investment in the safety and well-being of our waterfront and island communities. With faster response times and greater access to areas that were previously harder to reach, we’re now better equipped than ever to serve residents and visitors of Toronto’s waterfront. Whether it’s a medical emergency, a fire, or a rescue situation, our team is ready to respond quickly and effectively.”
– Jim Jessop, Fire Chief and General Manager, Toronto Fire Services