Report Recommends CBRM Take Over Volunteer Fire Departments in Phased Transition
A consultant's report urges the Cape Breton Regional Municipality to gradually assume authority over its independently run volunteer fire departments to create a centralized service. The three-to-five-year transition would require at least $25 million in new equipment and provincial support.
A consultant's report is recommending that the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) gradually gain authority over its independently run volunteer fire departments, aiming to establish a central, integrated, and coordinated fire service. The study follows a Nova Scotia government review and new provincial legislation setting standards for firefighter training and equipment.
Consulting firm Transitional Solutions performed both the provincial review and the recent study for CBRM. Senior emergency adviser Chris Harrow noted that CBRM is unique because it currently operates two stations with full-time paid firefighters, three volunteer stations with some paid staff, and 29 volunteer departments run at the community level.
The report urges CBRM to become the sole fire service authority and begin taking over administrative duties from volunteer departments in phases over the next three to five years. Under the proposed plan, volunteer departments would be freed from administrative responsibilities such as procurement and liability, allowing them to focus on training and response. Additionally, aging trucks considered an insurance liability would be replaced.
CBRM Mayor Cecil Clarke stated that implementing the recommendations requires help from the province and estimated a need for at least $25 million in new equipment.
Regional fire chiefs acknowledge the need for discussion but have raised concerns about the proposal. Rod Beresford, chief of the Westmount Volunteer Fire Department, said the report lacks explicit detail and that chiefs have more questions than answers.
The Nova Scotia Emergency Management Department stated it is too soon to determine funding costs until all municipal reviews are received.