4 Firefighters Will Be Added In 2010

Collingwood Council has reversed an earlier decision and has now approved the hiring of four new firefighters in 2010. Council voted 6-3 in favour of the additional hirings.

In February, Collingwood Fire Chief Trent Elyea had been turned down by council to have four additional firefighters included as a part of the town's 2010 budget process. In speaking to council, Elyea had stated that because of holidays and sick time, only four firefighters often arrive initially at a fire and this situation doesn't allow the crew to attack the building's interior until more firefighters arrive at the scene. In addition, the chief was looking ahead to a time in the near future where he thinks an additional fire hall will be needed for the town. Elyea had advised council that it was his opinion that it would be wise to add new firefighters on a gradual basis.

After debating the issue and continuing to work on 2010 budget numbers, Council came back to the table on Monday, March 1st and reversed its earlier decision. Councilor Ian Chadwick voted in favour of the hiring of additional firefighters. Chadwick had been absent from the previous vote, and he told council that a price tag cannot be put on safety.

When this matter first appeared before council in February, the vote was tied, meaning the vote was a lost vote. Mayor Chris Carrier and Councilors Kathy Jeffery, Dave Labelle and Sonny Foley voted in favour of hiring the new firefighters while Councilors Tim McNabb, Norm Sandberg, Mike Edwards and Deputy Mayor Sandra Cooper voted against. Councillor Ian Chadwick was absent from the meeting where the vote took place.

The four new firefighters will occur in July 2010 and will bring with it a cost of $123,000.00 in the 2010 municipal budget.