THUNDER BAY – Cost savings, response times, and the relationship with Fort William First Nation were top of mind as city council discussed the future of fire services in Thunder Bay.
The city released a draft of its master strategic fire plan last week, containing more than 20 recommendations. Consultant Lyle Quan, who helped author the report, was at Monday’s city council meeting to take questions from councillors.
Coun. Aldo Ruberto said he wanted to see more emphasis on cost-saving in the report, zeroing in on the future of the Vickers Street fire station. The report recommends moving the fire service’s headquarters out of the building due to its condition, saying the hall could be repaired for $800,000, or rebuilt for $2 million.
But the report does not indicate how long the repair would extend the lifespan of the facility, and Quan did not have an answer when asked by Ruberto on Monday.
“I’m hoping when we get to the final report, we get a full answer,” Ruberto said. “I don’t need a brand-new facility, if this one’s going to serve its purpose for the next 25, 30 years.”
Current River Coun. Andrew Foulds wondered whether any of the recommendations could negatively impact worker health. The draft plan has come under heavy criticism from the Thunder Bay Firefighters’ Association, who say it will cut service levels and could put firefighters in danger. Quan said health and safety concerns were not brought up in consultations with local fire service staff.
Many questions from council revolved around the current distribution of services, and how a potential reduction in the number of fire halls could reduce response times.
Coun. Shelby Ch’ng raised concerns over a lack of consultation with Fort William First Nation. The draft plan mentions a renegotiation of Thunder Bay Fire Rescue’s existing contract to provide fire response to the First Nation. Ch’ng said including proposals that impact the First Nation without talking to them first could damage the relationship between the two communities.
The final report is expected to be presented to council in February.
