Investments in Fire Protection Enhance Safety for Communities and Families

Over $47,000 Invested in New Firefighting Equipment in Baie Verte-Springdale Region

Communities throughout the District of Baie Verte-Springdale will receive new firefighting equipment through financial support from the Provincial Government. The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, highlighted the funding at the Springdale Firefighters’ Appreciation Dinner last evening.

“It was with great pleasure that I joined volunteer firefighters in the Town of Springdale to show appreciation for the work they do and to highlight our government’s recent investments in fire protection for the region. Our government places great importance on providing financial support to fire departments and emergency first responders throughout Newfoundland and Labrador for equipment and related infrastructure. Our most recent investments in firefighting equipment, in particular the new jaws of life and extrication equipment for Springdale, will be an important capability boost for the fire department and will enhance public safety.”
- The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

Through a Provincial Government contribution of approximately $25,000, the Town of Springdale will purchase the extrication equipment, including the Jaws of Life apparatus. Other communities receiving funding include Pacquet and Westport. Information on these investments is contained in the backgrounder below.

“Fire protection is an essential service to residents throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. Over the last number of years, our government has invested heavily into fire equipment and new emergency response vehicles. In fact, since 2010, the Provincial Government has invested approximately $2.8 million in new fire equipment and $11 million in new emergency response vehicles. Each investment is evidence of the importance our government places on this critical municipal service.” -
The Honourable Steve Kent, Minister of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services

Through Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future, the Provincial Government has allocated approximately $380,000 for new firefighting equipment this year. Over 30 communities will benefit from this new funding.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to supporting important social programs, strong communities and the health and well-being of children, families and seniors.

QUICK FACTS

• Approximately $47,000 has been invested in new firefighting equipment in the District of Baie Verte-Springdale through Budget 2013.
• Since 2003, approximately $1.13 million has been invested in firefighting equipment and new emergency response vehicles in the District of Baie Verte-Springdale.
• Since 2010, over 300 requests to cost-share firefighting equipment have been approved valued at more than $3 million.
• Since 2010, more than 40 communities have been assisted in replacing outdated emergency response vehicles at a cost of more than $11 million.
• In 2013, new emergency response vehicles were announced for Burin, Cox’s Cove, Grand Le Pierre, Greenspond, Lethbridge, Point Leamington, Triton, and St. Lawrence.
• There are approximately 6,000 volunteers supporting approximately 280 fire departments province-wide.

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Media contact:
Bradley Power
Public Relations Specialist
Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-0857, 699-5707
bradleypower@gov.nl.ca 

BACKGROUNDER
2013-14 Firefighting Equipment Funding – District of Baie Verte-Springdale

2013 11 24             9:30 a.m.