Toronto Fire Services - Future

Revenue-Generating Training Programs

The Community Services Committee recommends the adoption of the following joint report (July 12, 1999) from the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services and the Fire Chief:

Purpose:

To provide information on an international Fire Fighter training program, and on a possible twinning/partnership arrangement with the Phoenix Fire Department, Arizona.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Futures revenues cannot be estimated at this time. Any proposed agreements for the provision of training services would be structured to provide net positive revenues to the City. It would be Fire Services' intent to invest proceeds in further upgrades to its training facilities and equipment.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(i)this report be received for information; and

(ii) the Fire Chief be authorized to actively market Fire Fighter training programs at the local, provincial, national and international levels, and to enter into revenue-generating business relationships, as required and as appropriate, with recognized Fire Service training agencies and Community Colleges.

Council Reference/Background/History:

City Council at its meeting of May 11, 12 and 13, 1999, requested Fire Services to provide a report to the Community Services Committee on: (i) the anticipated revenues that may be generated by Toronto Fire Services operating an international Fire Fighter training program, and (ii) the possibility of a twinning/partnership arrangement with the City of Phoenix.

Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:

International Fire Fighter Training Programs:

The Toronto Fire Services is currently completing an international training program for Dubai Civil Defence, United Arab Emirates. This business opportunity arose due to the high regard that the emergency service marketplace has for the ability of the Toronto Fire Services to develop and deliver high quality education and training programs. This program was established through a partnership with Loyalist College in the summer of 1998.

Future training programs may be available to the Toronto Fire Services as a result of marketing initiatives or in partnership with established Fire Service Training Agencies or Community Colleges.

The potential in the future may arise between the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Services of England and the Toronto Fire Services to offer both the British and Canadian training perspectives. This will offer clients a truly unique international training program.

Twinning/Partnership with the City of Phoenix Fire Department:

Toronto Fire Services staff have communicated with staff of the City of Phoenix Fire Department regarding the development of a professional twinning/partnership arrangement. While we have not received a written response to date, we do expect a positive reaction to this exciting business opportunity.

Conclusions:

Aside from the contract already executed with Dubai United Emirates, the Toronto Fire Services cannot estimate at this time the future revenue generation potential from these Fire Fighter training programs. Staff are currently discussing future programs with Dubai Civil Defence; however Dubai has not yet stated their future requirements.

Loyalist College is currently preparing to embark on a marketing tour in the middle east and Africa, and will also market the capabilities of the Toronto Fire Services training programs. We will report back to Committee on any future training programs and revenue generation as it occurs.

Fire Services staff will advise Council as further developments occur in the request for the development of a professional twinning/partnership arrangement with the City of Phoenix Fire Department.

Contact Names:

Alan F. Speed,

Fire Chief

Tel: 397-4315

William A. Stewart,

Deputy Fire Chief

Tel: 397-4304