The Northern Peninsula Regional Service Authority (NorPen)
has been granted approval to operate the Straits Volunteer Regional Fire
Department, which will be facilitated by a $232,000 investment by the
Provincial Government. This move extends the responsibilities of NorPen
to include fire protection services, in addition to waste management for
the region which it currently manages.
"We were pleased to negotiate a financial arrangement
to secure the operations of fire services, and will allow NorPen to more
effectively operate the Straits Fire Department," said the Honourable
Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal Affairs. "This effort is a
wonderful example of how working together to explore regional service
opportunities can allow for service improvements without compromising
community identity."
The Straits Volunteer Regional Fire Department will
continue to operate from Flower�s Cove, and provide fire services for
residents of Anchor Point to Eddies Cove East, affecting 740 households
and 65 business properties which will be covered by the new arrangement
for fire protection.
"The Northern Peninsula Regional Service Board is very
pleased to be given the opportunity to provide an effective fire
services program to residents of Anchor Point to Eddies Cove East," said
Doug Mills, Chair of NorPen. "We are looking forward to working with
government, communities and the existing fire department on this
regional activity."
"This is a win-win situation," said Keith Billiard,
Chair of the Straits Fire Department. "This arrangement will mean that
the loan on our fire truck will be paid off, the fire hall will be
completed and much needed essential equipment will be purchased. The
most important aspect will be the efficient and effective collection of
fire protection fees to ensure the sustainability of the fire department
for the future."
In April 2008, the Northern Peninsula Regional Service
Board�s (NorPen) boundary was expanded to encompass towns, local
services districts and unincorporated areas north of River of Ponds.
This move was in support of the Provincial Solid Waste Management
Strategy which expanded NorPen�s waste management authority into the
Straits area and will result in three existing waste sites being
consolidated into one site to more effectively manage waste disposal in
an environmentally responsible and efficient manner.
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