2024-Nov-19
MacTier Paramedic Station Closure Sparks Community Concerns
The scheduled closure of the EMS paramedic station in MacTier has raised concerns among residents. The Concerned West Muskoka Citizens group believes the proposed Paramedic Response Unit (PRU) is not a suitable replacement as the PRU cannot transport patients or provide two-paramedic care, which is essential in emergencies.
MacTier’s location within the Township of Georgian Bay is important due to its year-round and seasonal population. The group also claims that moving the service to a station 30 minutes further south will delay care and increase response times potentially endangering lives.
Additionally, the group says the decision was made without public input, raising questions about the district’s commitment to transparency and safety. Residents are urging the District of Muskoka to reconsider the changes, stressing the need for a fully operational paramedic station to protect the community.
According to the District of Muskoka, the changes are part of a ten-year plan to improve services in MacTier and Georgian Bay Township. The PRU will be stationed in the community to provide rapid response and initial care working in tandem with the ambulance that will transport patients to the hospital, leaving the paramedic in the community to respond to the next emergency. The District of Muskoka claims these changes aim to address the growing needs of the area and ensure there is reliable emergency care for residents. The MacTier EMS station is slated to close in October 2025.
The Concerned West Muskoka Citizens arguments against the closure can be found here. More information on the closure and the District’s 10-Year Master Plan can be found here.