Saanich to consider amalgamating fire department with Victoria, Esquimalt, Oak Bay
Saanich council will be discussing a report Monday prepared by Saanich Fire Chief Michael Kaye on the merits of amalgamating the fire departments of Victoria, Oak Bay, Esquimalt and Saanich.
“It could be a baby step forward,” said Saanich Coun. Colin Plant.
Plant says new national changes to health and safety requirements for firefighters mean highrise fires need to be fought by more first responders.
“Right now, none of the four fire departments are able to – on their own – meet national standards for highrise fires,” said Plant. “When we have a fire like that, we do rely on mutual aid and our fire departments do support each other but those mutual-aid agreements need to be negotiated from time to time. I would hate to see a time where we couldn't have a mutual-aid agreement signed.”
Plant says one amalgamated department would solve that problem. He also points to other benefits that could come with one integrated fire department.
“There's the benefits of training together so that all of the fire department members in the region would be able to address the same types of fires,” said Plant.
Plant also points to potential cost savings.
“We all know that when you have a bigger purchasing body, you get a better deal on your purchases than if you have four separate entities buying the same amount of materials,” said Plant.
“I think this is a reasonable question to be asking,” said Oak Bay Mayor Kevin Murdoch.
Murdoch says it isn’t a surprise to see this come forward as it was part of Saanich’s strategic plan. He says he can’t speak for Oak Bay council as it hasn’t gotten that far through the process yet but believes the idea does have merit.
“I think on basic principles we have an obligation to maximize public safety and to look at all our services as to what is the most cost-effective way to deliver those services,” said Murdoch.
If Saanich council decides to pursue the amalgamation of the four core municipal fire departments on Monday night, it will then invite the other three municipalities to the table for further discussions.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Here's how much more Canadian landlords are asking for now, according to a just-released report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
Canada abstains from Palestinian UN membership vote but supports two-state solution
Canada was one of 25 countries that abstained from a United Nations vote on Palestinian membership that passed with overwhelming support on Friday.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
Rare severe solar storm Friday could bring spectacular aurora light show across Canada
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.