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Niagara EMS marks first milestone in its 10-year Facilities Master Plan
August 10, 2026
Niagara EMS has officially opened its new Prince Charles Station located at 345 Prince Charles Drive in Welland. This marks the first completed milestone in the EMS 10-year Facilities Master Plan and an important step in strengthening emergency medical services across Niagara.
As Niagara’s population continues to grow and age, demand for Niagara EMS services is also changing. The 10-year Facilities Master Plan is a long-term roadmap for Niagara’s future, creating a network of modern EMS facilities and strategically located stations that will better support paramedics, strengthen emergency response and help ensure timely access to emergency care.
“Every resident deserves timely, high-quality emergency medical care when they need it most,” said Karen Lutz-Graul, Chief of Niagara EMS. “Prince Charles Station is the first milestone in a long-term vision to strengthen our emergency response system and better support the growing needs of our communities. By creating modern, functional workspaces for our paramedics, we are helping ensure they have the tools they need to provide exceptional care when every second counts.”
Endorsed by Niagara Regional Council in February 2025, the 10-year Facilities Master Plan was developed using evidence-based research, operational modelling and industry best practices. The approach helps position paramedics closer to where they are needed most, while ensuring teams have the facilities and systems required to provide timely and effective emergency care. To achieve this, the plan is based on a hub-and-spoke model, with larger hub locations supported by strategically placed stations across Niagara.
Formerly the Prince Charles Fire Station, the facility has been thoughtfully repurposed to support Niagara EMS operations, ensuring an important public safety asset continues serving the community while making responsible use of existing public infrastructure. Prince Charles Station represents a unique opportunity to advance the long-term vision for Niagara EMS infrastructure, while future projects identified in the Facilities Master Plan will include purpose-built EMS facilities designed to meet the evolving needs of the service.
The official opening brought together Niagara EMS members, including frontline paramedics, regional leadership, local elected officials and project partners to recognize this important milestone and celebrate the collaboration that brought Prince Charles Station to life.
Media contact
Celia Carr
Communications Advisor
Niagara Emergency Medical Services
289-968-2447
celia.carr@niagararegion.ca
