By Mark Squibb/August 19, 2022
Witless Bay council has approved $5,000 for an extension to the fire department’s smokehouse training facility.
The money will be put towards building a set of stairs to the two sea cans that make up the second floor to allow for installation of windows and doors upstairs.
“It will allow members to get practise on stairs in a zero-visibility situation and as well it will help them prepare for scenarios where there could be a fire in basements or apartments,” said Deputy Mayor Lorna Yard.
The work will mark the beginning of phase 2 of the smokehouse construction, and the $5,000 will come out of firefighting operating expenses.
Councillor Alex Troake noted that communities in the region pay into that operating budget.
Later in the meeting, council approved a request from the fire department for new uniforms.
“Right now, we have 14 new recruits, and they don’t have uniforms,” said Yard, who moved that council approved funding to purchase the uniforms as needed.
“As you know the fire department wear their uniforms at ceremonial events such as Remembrance Day and funerals, and official events such as the Fireman’s Ball, or if they were to go give a presentation at a school,” said Yard. “So, there is also a situation where some of the people that have been there a while, their uniform may be missing a piece, or it may not fit so well.”
Yard said the request was to provide uniforms to members who don’t yet have one, and those who need a new one. She noted the fire department has found a new uniform supplier, which she expected would save the Town some money.
Other uniforms may be purchased on a ‘need-to-buy’ basis.
Yard said the cost to get new uniforms for all members would be about $5,000.
Both motions were approved unanimously.
