East Gwillimbury announces new fire chief

May 9, 2024, East Gwillimbury, Ont. — The Town of East Gwillimbury has hired Cory Mainprize as their new fire chief, who will step into the role on June 3.

Mainprize will lead East Gwillimbury’s Fire and Emergency Services department and joins the town’s Senior Management Team (SMT).

His responsibilities will include leading a team of paid-on-call and full-time firefighters who provide emergency services to residents and visitors, developing an updated fire master plan, overseeing the department’s operating and capital budgets, and acting as a member of the town’s Senior Management Team, the city announced in a statement.

The press release highlighted Mainprize’s experience as a fire service professional, outlining his comprehensive background leading emergency response, fire prevention, public education, dispatch and communications, emergency management, and high-performing teams.

For the past seven years, he led Barrie Fire and Emergency Services as fire chief and director of emergency services. Before his role as chief, he served as deputy chief of operations and training. During this time, he also oversaw the development of Barrie’s Fire Master Plan and Community Risk Assessment.

Mainprize began his career in 1998 as a volunteer firefighter with the town of Caledon before joining the city of Barrie in 2000, as a firefighter.

“Chief Mainprize is an excellent selection for our next Fire Chief,” said Mayor Virginia Hackson. “I am confident he will bring a modern, collaborative and progressive approach to our leadership team and will be a great contributor as the Town continues to grow. Having a strong leader in this role is important as we deliver on our Strategic Plan commitment to delivering quality programs and services. On behalf of Council, I extend a warm welcome to Chief Mainprize.”