Wellington North is expanding its Shared Fire Services Agreement with Minto.
The updated agreement will now include coverage of Mapleton Township. Brooke Lambert, CAO, says the agreement means more certainty going forward.
"The renewed agreement means continuity and stability for our Wellington North Fire Services," Lambert said. "The expanded Fire Services Management team means more capacity to take on the administrative needs of the organization while allowing our volunteers to do the work they do best, which is respond to calls in the field."
Lambert also says the cost sharing model has been updated.
"The Fire Services Management team will grow slightly but the cost sharing arrangement will also change. Currently Minto covers 60 percent of the cost with Wellington North covering 40 percent. It will now be a 40/30/30 split between Minto/Mapleton/Wellington North. These costs will be governed by an advisory body made up of the CAO’s and Council representation from each of the municipalities," Lambert explained.
Hopefully, the new agreement is a long-term arrangement, but Lambert notes that there is some flexibility down the road if need be.
"This is anticipated to be an ongoing arrangement though there are opportunities for any party to withdraw from the arrangement if needed," added Lambert. "We are hopeful this can help us create a more sustainable and efficient model that adds value, skill sets and increases effectiveness."
