Municipal Affairs
November 14, 2012

New Firefighting Vehicle and Equipment Heading to Bellevue District

As part of the Provincial Government’s continued commitment to assist municipal fire services, more than $270,000 in new vehicles and equipment is headed to fire departments in Bellevue District. The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services, made the announcement today in St. Bernard’s-Jacques Fontaine.

“The fire department of St. Bernard’s-Jacques Fontaine provides a regional service to a number of communities along the Burin Peninsula and it brings me great pleasure to announce a new 4-door pumper truck to assist these tireless volunteers,” said Minister O’Brien. “In addition to more than $40,000 in firefighting equipment funding for area fire departments, these investments help to support our communities and ensure an adequate level of protection for residents.”

A new four-door pumper truck will be purchased by St. Bernard’s- Jacques Fontaine to help augment fire protection services to the region. The vehicle is valued at approximately $230,000.

In addition, four area fire departments have been approved for new firefighting equipment.

“I would to sincerely thank the minister for this great announcement of a new truck for St. Bernard’s-Jacques Fontaine and for the continued support our area fire departments,” said Calvin Peach, MHA for Bellevue. “Today’s announcement shows our government’s commitment to rural Newfoundland and Labrador and the importance of fire protection. This new pumper truck is significant for the five communities served by St Bernard’s-Jacques Fontaine; this is certainly a great day for these dedicated volunteers.”

Fire departments successful in receiving funding through the Provincial Firefighting Equipment Financial Assistance Program through Fire and Emergency Services – Newfoundland and Labrador have applied for consideration with the support of their municipal councils and commit to cover their portion of the equipment through the previously established cost share ratios.

This firefighting vehicle for St. Bernard’s-Jacques Fontaine 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, Bonavista, and Norman’s Cove-Long Cove with the remaining vehicles expected throughout the fall. Based on population, St. Bernard’s-Jacques Fontaine 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 Fire and Emergency Services - Newfoundland and Labrador in 2007, the Provincial Government has contributed more than $14.2 million towards new firefighting vehicles in the province 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 infused into community fire halls throughout the province.

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2012 11 14                            2:05 p.m.