The Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Service will get a new ladder truck.
Town council narrowly approved Monday night a recommendation to spend close to $1.2 million to replace the existing 33-year-old unit.
Fire Chief Tyler Moffitt says the current vehicle isn’t adequate anymore.
“Our ladder truck is not NFPA compliant. We can not transport people in the back seats. The ladder railings are not wide enough for a modern stokes basket. The railing isn’t high enough, and the seatbelts are lap belts,” says Moffitt.
Moffitt notes they have the oldest truck of its kind in Canada
The vote passed 4-3, with Mayor June Caul casting the deciding vote to proceed with the purchase.
Councillor Rick Wiedenhoeft says the town doesn’t have the money.
“The money in corporate vehicle reserves is needed for the next 2 to 5 years for replacement of our Public Works equipment critical to the day-to-day Services of the residents,” says Wiedenhoeft.
Councillor John McTaggart wished more time was taken to consider a decision.
“I did question the fire chief on a number of things. He comes back with compelling arguments about worker safety and at the age of the vehicle, but I still need more time to digest this,” says McTaggart.
The town won’t have to pay for the truck right away.
It could take up to a year before the fire department takes possession.
The old truck will be sold to Couchiching First Nation for $15 thousand after the new truck arrives.
