Fire Protection

Kincardine Council

(continued)

For more than 30 years, the Paisley Fire Department has been in existence.

After amalgamation, ownership of the Department was split between Arran Elderslie (56.7%), Brockton (18.1%), Kincardine (21.3%) and Saugeen Shores (3.9%).

In 2007, Saugeen Shores withdrew from the partnership leaving Arran Elderslie with 52.3%, Brockton with 29.9% and Kincardine with 27.8% ownership. Saugeen Shores withdrew from the Board, as per the terms of the Fire Board Agreement, and went to a fee for service basis with a minimum annual retainer but no capital investment for future fire equipment.

 

(next column)

09/05/2009 08:07 PM

Ownership in the Paisley Board has been based on property assessment value. Liability issues include lack of volunteer firefighters to adequately respond to calls. As a 27.8% owner, the Municipality of Kincardine is also liable for 27.8% of any problems that may occur during a Paisley fire response.

Fire Chief Jamie McKinnon recommended that the Municipality of Kincardine proceed with notification to also withdraw from the Paisley Fire Board and move to a fee for service. It is anticipated that capital costs for Paisley to provide the Municipality of Kincardine with fire protection will become 'fixed within the service contract as opposed to variable and unpredictable as they are now. It is expected that liability should also be reduced.

The motion will be considered.