The District of Coldstream is finally speaking up over an issue that stems from its Aug. 1 dismissal of fire chief Leo Lecavalier.
Council has issued a public statement to address concerns raised by residents surrounding the fire department.
The statement does not directly refer to the dismissal of Lecavalier, but aims to address local concerns that taxpayers will be on the hook for a paid, full-time fire department.
Those concerns have stemmed from the dismissal of Coldstream’s fire chief, which has stirred rumours that the fire department could disband or lose a number of volunteers out of protest.
“Coldstream council and its administration have not discussed a paid full- time fire department, nor has it been contemplated that the municipality would be forced into such a change in the overall operations of our current fire department,” said Mayor Gary Corner, reading the statement at Monday’s council meeting.
Instead, a committee is being formed of council’s seven members, administration and three members each from the Coldstream and Lavington fire departments to discuss and work through current issues.
Coldstream’s deputy chief Lawrie Skolrood is optimistic.
“It’s a good start,” he said.
“This was something that needs to be done and we have to redefine our relationship.
“There are some issues that need to be ratified before we do that.”
Skolrood admits that with everything the department has had to deal with, including the recent move into the new fire hall, it’s been difficult for members to keep focused.
But, he adds: “The executive with the department wants to get back to business and deal with what we do best.”
Corner is also optimistic that problems can be resolved.
“We are confident these issues will be addressed to the satisfaction of council, firefighters and administration,” said Corner.
Therefore with this new committee being struck and hopes that relationships can be fixed, home owner insurance rates in relation to fire protection aren’t expected to increase.
“Coldstream currently falls within the best coverage available (fire department within eight kilometres with hydrants, mutual aid agreements and financing of the fire department through taxation) and does not foresee any changes in the way this service is delivered to the residents of Coldstream,” said Corner.
The District of Coldstream will work with the current fire departments’ executive, and perhaps in the new year a new Coldstream chief will be elected, said Skolrood.
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Will there be an apology issued to the fire chief who was "let go"? Will they apologize to the Fire Department for the "gag order"? Will Leo Lecavalier, the private citizen and volunteer fireman be able to return to the fire hall and continue working?
The Press Release is an attempt to pacify the taxpayers of Coldstream. The hurt is too deep to be fixed by platitudes. We expect better!
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