Municipal Affairs
November 9, 2012

New Firefighting Vehicle Announced for the Town of Stephenville

The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services, today announced the Town of Stephenville will receive funding to purchase a new firefighting vehicle. Minister O’Brien was joined by the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills and MHA for St. George’s - Stephenville East; Tony Cornect, MHA for Port au Port; Tom O’Brien, Mayor of Stephenville; and members of the community’s fire department this morning for the announcement.

“The Provincial Government continues to support fire departments throughout the province and I am pleased today to announce this funding for Stephenville,” said Minister O’Brien. “This new vehicle, which is valued at approximately $230,000 and will be delivered in 2013, will not only serve Stephenville but will also provide assistance to the Bay St. George area. Our government is committed to assisting our towns and communities in providing important emergency and fire services to residents.”

A new four-door pumper truck will be purchased by the town to serve Stephenville and help augment service to the region.

“I am pleased to see this significant investment for St. George’s – Stephenville East,” said Minister Burke. “The purchase of a new pumper truck for the Stephenville Fire Department will better enhance the fleet and delivery of fire and emergency services to the residents of Stephenville and surrounding communities.”

This new firefighting vehicle is intended to assist the region in the event of a large-scale emergency. Under the Emergency Services Act, communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador were required to have emergency management plans in place by May, 2012. The town of Stephenville is the proponent and caretaker of the Bay St. George/ Port au Port Peninsula regional emergency management plan, which was approved and adopted in the area well ahead of this year’s legislated deadline.

“This funding is further evidence of our government’s commitment to ensure communities have the necessary equipment to offer services needed for its residents and I am very pleased with today’s announcement,” said Mr. Cornect. “This new piece of equipment will certainly enhance Stephenville Fire Department’s commitment to continuing fire and emergency services within the town and the region.”

This firefighting vehicle for Stephenville 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, Stephenville will avail of the 80/20 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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• Photo: The Honourable Kevin O'Brien, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services - Newfoundland and Labrador, the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills and MHA for St. George's - Stephenville East, and Tony Cornect, MHA for Port au Port, unveil a picture of a new four-door pumper truck for the Town of Stephenville. Also involved in the announcement were Mayor Tom O'Brien and members of the community's fire department - November 9, 2012

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2012 11 09                                     9:20 a.m.