Municipal Affairs
November 9, 2012

New Regional Fire Department in Port au Port to Receive Firefighting Vehicle

Continuing the Dunderdale Government’s strategic investments in municipal firefighting infrastructure, the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services, today announced a new firefighting vehicle for the Port au Port Fire Department on the province’s west coast. Minister O’Brien was joined by Tony Cornect, MHA for Port au Port, and community leaders for the announcement.

“I commend the municipal councils of Port au Port East and Port au Port West-Aguathuna-Felix Cove for coming together to provide the best level of fire protection services possible to residents,” said Minister O’Brien. “Regionalization of fire protection services is, at times, the most effective, efficient means to provide adequate services and my officials stand ready to assist communities in figuring out the best way forward. I am pleased to support the efforts of the councils and their fire department by providing this significant funding to purchase a new pumper truck.”

The four-door pumper truck, valued at approximately $230,000, will assist in providing fire protection services to Port au Port East and Port au Port West-Aguathuna-Felix Cove, as well as other communities in the area.

“I am extremely proud today to join my colleague, Minister O’Brien, to announce funding for the new firefighting vehicle for the newly created Port au Port Fire Department,” said Mr. Cornect. “This new vehicle will certainly help the fire department in offering fire and emergency services to both towns and unincorporated areas of the region. I congratulate the Town Port au Port East and the Town of Port au Port West-Aguathuna-Felix Cove on this initiative of shared regional services and wish them much success in the recruitment and retention of firefighters.”

This firefighting vehicle for Port au Port is one of approximately eight new vehicles which will be purchased in partnership with communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Public tenders for new vehicles will be let in the coming weeks, with delivery anticipated for summer 2013. New emergency vehicles announced last year have arrived in Harbour Grace, Pouch Cove, Burgeo and Bonavista, with the remaining vehicles expected throughout the fall. Based on population, Port au Port will avail of the 90/10 cost-share arrangement with the Provincial Government to purchase the vehicle.

Budget 2012: People and Prosperity maintains $1.7 million in annual funding for firefighting infrastructure in addition to a $500,000 annual investment in firefighting equipment.

Since the creation of FES-NL in 2007, the Provincial Government has contributed more than $14.2 million towards new firefighting vehicles and in excess of $4 million for equipment, with a particular focus on personal protective equipment. Combined with the municipal contribution, more than $20 million in new equipment has been provided to community fire halls throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

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• Photo: The Honourable Kevin O'Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister responsible for Fire and Emergency Services - Newfoundland and Labrador, and Tony Cornect, MHA for Port au Port, unveil a picture of a new four-door pumper truck for the Port au Port Fire Department. Also involved in the announcement were Mayor Eileen Hann of Port au Port East, Mayor Bryan Bennett of Port au Port-Aguathuna-Felix Cove, other community leaders and members of the fire department – November 9, 2012.

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2012 11 09                              10:10 a.m.