Hastings Highlands is taking a stand against proposed mandatory certification for Ontario’s firefighters.
The municipality has sent a letter to the province, asking that it not introduce laws that would require North Hastings’ volunteer firefighters to be professionally certified. Mayor Vivian Bloom says it would not be affordable or sustainable for small, rural municipalities to introduce the changes without provincial help.
North Hastings Fire Chief Pat Hoover expressed his concerns about it to council during its meeting today. He says it would cost around $14,000 to train new firefighters up to the proposed level of certification. But, Hoover also says current volunteers wouldn’t need to get certified.
Hoover also says, because most local firefighters are volunteers, they may not be able to devote the time needed to get the training, which could be required as early as next year.
The fire chief wants to see more input from rural municipalities into provincial decisions. He also says the province should step up to help municipalities fund fire departments, in the same way it pays for other emergency services.
While the province has said it might help pay for the training, Hoover doesn’t think that will happen.
You have until March 11th to weigh-in on the potential changes. Click here to find out more.
