Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs
November 13, 2014
Increasing Fire Safety for Families and Communities
Investment of Over $260,000 Supports the Purchase of a New Fire Truck in the District of Bay of Islands
The Honourable Judy Manning, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs, announced today that the Provincial Government is investing approximately $260,000 to enhance firefighting capacity in the District of Bay of Islands, supporting the communities of Lark Harbour and York Harbour.
“I’m pleased to announce that through $260,000 in funding from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the communities of Lark Harbour and York Harbour will receive a new state-of-the-art pumper-rescue truck. Today’s announcement is a direct investment into the safety and security of residents in the District of Bay of Islands and the communities in which the new fire truck will operate, as well as a clear indication of our strong commitment to supporting fire services and firefighters throughout the province.”
- The Honourable Judy Manning, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador
Discussions are currently ongoing between the towns of Lark Harbour and York Harbour, and the Department of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs, regarding potential amalgamation of the communities. The new fire truck announced today was identified by both communities as a high priority and would support the regionalization of fire services.
“As a government, we are committed to supporting regionalization efforts so that our communities remain viable and able to meet their residents’ needs. At the request of the communities of York Harbour and Lark Harbour, the Provincial Government is continuing to engage in meaningful dialogue towards a potential amalgamation between both communities. The fire truck being announced today was identified as a high priority by both communities, and while other discussions are ongoing, this investment will fulfill the needs of firefighters in the area who have been without a permanent truck since earlier this year.”
- The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs
Budget 2014: Shared Prosperity, Fair Society, Balanced Outlook includes over $5 million in fire vehicle and equipment funding, which is the largest investment ever made in this area.
The pumper-rescue truck announced today for the communities on the west coast will be cost-shared with the Provincial Government providing 90 per cent of funding and the municipalities covering the remaining 10 per cent.
Between 2003 and 2013, the Provincial Government contributed to the purchase of 125 emergency response vehicles for communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
QUICK FACTS
- Over $260,000 is being invested for the purchase of a new fire truck for the communities of Lark Harbour and York Harbour.
- The truck is being cost-shared with the Provincial Government providing 90 per cent of funding and the municipalities covering the remaining 10 per cent.
- Through Budget 2014, over $5 million has been allocated to support fire services, vehicles and equipment − a record-high investment in this area.
- From 2003 to 2013, the Provincial Government has contributed to the purchase of 125 emergency response vehicles for communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
- 30 -
Media contacts:
|
Bradley Power Public Relations Specialist Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador 709-729-0857, 690-1810 bradleypower@gov.nl.ca |
Kevin Guest Director of Communications Department of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs 709-729-1983, 730-2320 kevinjguest@gov.nl.ca |
2014 11 13 3:40 p.m.