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M.D.’s ‘internal evaulation’ of fire departments begins
Chris Clegg
for South Peace News
The M.D. of Big Lakes is undertaking an internal evaluation of all its fire departments despite fierce objection from some councilors.
“Ours is working good,” said Kinuso Councilor Ken Killeen at council’s May 27 meeting, after being presented with the proposal. “Why do we have to play with it? Why do we want to jump in?”
Killeen and other councilors felt it was the first move to possibly create one fire department to serve the M.D. and Town of High Prairie, which already serves about half the land area in the M.D.
“It’s not going to go,” said Joussard Councilor Guy L’Heureux. “We have a system that’s working.”
Grouard Councilor Fern Welch waded into the debate.
“I think we’re dreaming if we think we’re going to be one big happy family,” she said.
“We’re happy with what we have,” added Killeen. “Why do we want to do a lot of work?”
“It sounds so good on paper but it doesn’t work,” adds L’Heureux.
However, Prairie Echo, Salt Prairie Councilor David Marx wanted to complete the evaluation to guide council and hinted one big department may be in the future.
“Do an evaluation and see,” said Marx. “If we don’t think this will happen in the future, we’re only fooling ourselves.”
Reeve Alvin Billings agreed an assessment was in order.
A motion to complete the internal review passed with Faust Councilor Violet Campiou, Killeen and L’Heureux opposed.
The M.D. operates volunteer fire departments in Enilda, Faust, Grouard and Joussard. They also lend support to Kinuso.
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