Showing support: Cape Breton communities call on municipality to reconsider amalgamating four fire departments
Residents in four rural Cape Breton communities are calling on the municipality to reconsider proposed plans to close their fire departments.
“With our membership it’s that there are grave concerns about response times and a degrade in fire protection services in our area, if amalgamation was to go forward.” Says James Bates, Fire Chief of the Port Morien Volunteer Fire Department.
A meeting was held last Sunday, between municipal officials and members from Birch Grove, Tower Road, Donkin and Port Morien.
All four communities have been listed by the CBRM for potential amalgamation, in favour of one central fire department.
Bates says since a story aired initially on CTV Atlantic, community support has poured in, including from retired fire officials.
“We continue to ask our community members, if you have concerns, questions to reach out to their councillor or to any member of the fire department and we will share information we have,” says Bates.
James Edwards, councillor for the area, was also part of Sunday's meeting.
Edwards says amalgamation is not the only option being considered and that the municipalities main concern is improving services and safety.
“The reason CBRM started with Port Morien and Donkin is because of the obvious concern we have here with the Port Morien Fire Department. It needs a lot of work,” says Edwards.
The Port Morien Volunteer Fire Department has been dealing with subsidence issues for about three years, which has caused the foundation to crack, walls inside to divide and mold to form where moisture is getting in.
But Chief Bates says that shouldn't have anything to do with closing his department.
“If we’re going to go around the municipality and look at buildings or facilities that need repairs and have that the basis on whether we are going to start closing fire departments and doing amalgamation, I think we’re looking at it for the wrong reason,” says Bates.
The CBRM says they're listening to volunteer departments, hearing about their challenges and ensuring communications channels are open about ways to improve the service.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
'I just want to be safe': Ukrainian man in Canada faces limbo amid consular freeze
A recent decision to restrict consular services for fighting-aged Ukrainian men has made a Ukrainian man in Canada feel less certain of his next steps — and worried he could be pulled back to the war.
Dozens of U.S. deaths reveal risks of injecting sedatives into people restrained by police
The practice of giving sedatives to people detained by police has spread quietly across the U.S. over the last 15 years, built on questionable science and backed by police-aligned experts, an investigation led by The Associated Press has found.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.