Toronto Fire Services Bolsters Waterfront Emergency Response with Two New Boats
TORONTO – As summer heats up and visitors flock to the Toronto Islands and waterfront, the City of Toronto is stepping up its emergency readiness with two new high-performance vessels designed to improve response times and accessibility during critical incidents along the city’s vast shoreline.
In a symbolic ceremony held at the Harbourfront, Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik (Spadina–Fort York) joined Fire Chief Jim Jessop to unveil the new fire and rescue boats now stationed at Fire Station 334. The vessels represent a significant investment in Toronto Fire Services’ ability to safeguard residents and visitors throughout the busy summer season and beyond.
Today, we’re welcoming the latest additions to @Toronto_Fire‘s marine fleet: a fire boat that will enhance our firefighting capabilities in hard-to-reach areas, & a rapid deployment rescue vessel.
These investments will significantly enhance our emergency response capabilities… pic.twitter.com/NVnlsvMtXy
— City of Toronto 🇨🇦 (@cityoftoronto) July 4, 2025
Fire Boat 334: Power and Precision on the Water
The new Fire Boat 334 is a 16.7-metre (55-foot) firefighting vessel powered by twin diesel engines with jet propulsion. Built in Kingston, Ontario, the state-of-the-art craft combines speed, power, and precision, allowing crews to respond swiftly to fires, hazardous materials incidents, rescues, and medical calls.
Its size and propulsion system enable it to navigate efficiently in shallow and narrow waterways—areas like marinas and certain rivers that previously posed logistical challenges for emergency crews.
Rescue Boat 334: Fast, Agile, and Versatile
Complementing the fire vessel is Rescue Boat 334, a 7.5-metre craft built for speed and versatility. Smaller and more agile, this vessel can be rapidly deployed for flood responses, search and rescue missions, and to support land-based teams during emergencies at key waterfront locations, including the Scarborough Bluffs and Toronto Islands.
Meeting the Needs of a Growing Waterfront
Toronto Fire Services has long acknowledged the need for modern marine equipment to keep pace with growing waterfront communities and increased tourist activity. The new vessels will enable faster, more targeted responses where minutes can mean the difference between life and death.
“Toronto’s waterfront and the islands are loved by residents and attract millions of visitors every year,” said Mayor Olivia Chow. “These new boats will improve response times so first responders arrive faster in an emergency to keep everyone safe.”
“This provides important peace of mind,” added Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik, “and increases capacity for emergency responders to be where they are needed, when they are needed.”
Fire Chief Jim Jessop called the boats a “major investment” that gives his team greater access to areas previously difficult to reach. “Whether it’s a medical emergency, a fire, or a rescue situation, our team is ready to respond quickly and effectively,” he said.
Housed at Station 334, Ready for the Season
Both vessels are now docked at Toronto Fire Station 334, a marine unit located at the Harbourfront, and will remain active throughout the season. With millions of locals and tourists spending time by the water, the additions are being hailed as a vital upgrade to Toronto’s emergency preparedness strategy.
Follow GTA Today on social media for more local news and updates. #GTAToday
