Following salary increase, Fort Frances cuts fire department

The town council in Fort Frances followed through on a threat to axe firefighting staff, following a wage hike awarded by an arbitrator.

During this week's council meeting, a resolution was passed to cut the number of firefighters from eight to six, plus one fire chief.  Town officials say the reduction will save about $225,000. 

Mayor Roy Avis said although community safety is the top priority, they need to balance that with affordability.  

The recent arbitration award includes a 16 per cent wage increase over three years for members of the Fort Frances Firefighters Association. 

That adds a potential extra $335,000 in costs for the community. 

Fire Chief Frank Sheppard said he can work with the staff reductions, as they come after a great deal of consultation with the fire department. 

Fort Frances also has 20 volunteer firefighters.