Fire service in the Conception Bay
region took a step forward today with the official
opening of the Bay de Grave Regional Fire Hall, thanks
to a Provincial Government investment of over $997,000.
On behalf of the Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of
Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Emergency
Preparedness, the Honourable Tom Hedderson, MHA for
Harbour Main, attended the opening. Minister Hedderson
presented keys to the new fire hall and a recently
purchased pumper truck under the Provincial Municipal
Capital Works Program. The new fire hall will service
the communities of Clarke's Beach, Cupids, Makinsons,
North River and South River.
"Regional co-operation is a key
initiative of the Williams Government," said Minister
Whalen. "The establishment of this combined service is a
testament to what can be achieved when our communities
come together and share their resources for the good of
residents. By combining financial resources,
infrastructure needs and personnel, these communities
are providing the best possible fire protection to
residents."
Consultations were held with the
communities involved beginning in 2007 to help determine
how to best meet their needs. To date, the Provincial
Government has invested just over $737,000 for the
establishment of the fire hall. The Bay de Grave Fire
Service was awarded a new pumper truck through the
2008-09 Municipal Capital Works Program, with an
investment of $221,000. Funding was also provided for
fire protection equipment.
"We're pleased with the support we've
received from the province and from the volunteer fire
fighters in our combined communities," said Junior
Taylor, chairman of the Bay de Grave Regional Fire
Service Committee. "This fire hall allows us to avoid
duplicating services throughout our region and will be
of great benefit to residents should an emergency
situation arise."
"Creating sustainable communities is a
critical issue in Newfoundland and Labrador and I am
pleased to see this area taking proactive measures,"
said Minister Hedderson. "Today, we celebrate the hard
work and dedication of everyone involved in making the
Bay de Grave Regional Fire Service a reality and I am
encouraged to see residents in support of such a
worthwhile endeavour."
Budget 2010: The Right Investments
- For Our Children and Our Future provides $10.1
million over the next four years to support fire
protection services by municipalities and the volunteer
fire service.
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