Contract Awarded to Study Regional Fire Service

The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services, in conjunction with the communities of Paradise, Conception Bay South, and Holyrood, announced today that Risk Management Services will conduct a feasibility study on regional fire service delivery. The company will examine the most effective methods for fire protection among the three towns.

“Helping communities find efficient, effective means of fire protection for residents is an ongoing priority of the Provincial Government and I am pleased to see this study move forward,” said Minister O’Brien. “Following consultations between officials in my department and the towns involved, a request for proposals was issued earlier this summer. I am confident the knowledge and expertise evident through the proposal of Risk Management Services will help these communities decide the best way forward.”

The feasibility study will include, but is not limited to: a review of governance and administrative accountability; the necessary policies and bylaws; union considerations; mutual aid agreements and/or other associated service agreements, community risk analysis; and, a community fire risk assessment. The study will examine fire protection service levels, station location, organizational design, response time criteria, dispatching services, firefighting apparatus, equipment, and servicing requirements.

“The Conception Bay South Fire Department moved to 24/7 coverage in 2010 and we are extremely proud of the department and the results that we have achieved,” said Conception Bay South Mayor Woodrow French. “We are pleased to support this study to not only determine if regionalization is feasible, but if it can benefit all of the residents of our municipalities.”

The results of the study will also include per capita costs for fire protection, potential funding arrangements, and the anticipated impact of future regional growth on fire protection services.

“Awarding of this contract is welcome news for the Town of Paradise and its residents,” said Paradise Mayor Ralph Wiseman. “The information generated from this study will allow our council to make an informed decision on behalf of our residents for future firefighting services in the community.”

The Provincial Government will pay 50 per cent of the cost of the study, with Paradise, Conception Bay South and Holyrood sharing responsibility for the remaining 50 per cent.

“As a community, Holyrood recognizes that protection and preservation of human life and personal property is the most important service that we can provide our residents,” said Holyrood Mayor Gary Goobie. “It is our hope that this study will identify and recommend the most feasible and effective way of moving forward with the fire service in our area."

The results of the study are expected to be delivered to the municipalities in the spring of 2012.

- 30 -

Media contacts:

2011 12 02             10:00 a.m.