Awhile back, Peter Corfield & Associates prepared a preliminary report on the state of emergency fire protection for the municipality. The 52 page report outlines the changes that they believe are necessary to improve the performance of the Highlands East Fire Department so that it meets the Ontario Fire Marshal's requirements. Some recommendations are common sense items while others are rather controversial, such as fire hall closures and relocations.

However, I could not find a final written plan of what action is going to be taken, the costs and implementation schedule. However, I know that some items, regarding training, equipment upgrades and hall renovations, are being done. I believe that this project must be finished in the next term.

There were several items that directly impact Ward 3, including:

-  The need for a full-time Fire Chief
-  Volunteer recruiting, training and retention
-  Overall equipment inventory, condition and maintenance
-  How to improve response times

The Master Fire Plan is important to all of us, even if we only live here part of the time.

There must be a formal Committee of Council established with the mandate to finish the report and implement its findings.

Should you decide to elect me, I would volunteer to establish and Chair such a committee. It is literally a question of life or death!

Let's fix this!