Town agrees to purchase new aerial fire truck

An Amherstburg Firefighters training event earlier this year.

Town council has authorized the purchase of a new aerial fire truck for the Amherstburg Fire Department. 

The price will be $3,038,000 plus HST and the truck will come from the sole bidder, Fort Erie Fire trucks. Additional funding of $91.566.10 will come from the general reserve.

Funding sources will be $500,000 from the 2024 capital budget, $500,000 from the general reserve in 2025 and again in 2026, $500,00 from the fleet reserve in 2027 and $1 million from the general reserve in 2028.

Fire chief Michael Mio said in a report to council that the price increase was attributed to factors including inflation, supply chain constraints and increased material costs. 

Mio noted a review of potential cost-saving measures was conducted but “the only reductions identified would require eliminating or downgrading critical life safety and diagnostic systems. Such reductions could lead to higher long-term costs due to increased difficulties in diagnosing and resolving mechanical and operational issues. Furthermore, firefighter safety remains the top priority, and any compromises to essential safety systems would introduce unacceptable risks to personnel. Installing these items after the vehicle is assembled would also not be cost-effective. Investing in a fully equipped aerial apparatus now ensures operational reliability, minimizes future maintenance expenses, and enhances firefighter safety.”

Mio added “every effort to reduce costs” will be sought going forward.

Councillor Peter Courtney said he discussed it with Mio and his concerns were taken care of. He said the truck is a need and believed “it is justifiable and makes sense.”

“We have no other choice. We have to provide this. We have to provide this ladder truck for our residents,” said Councillor Diane Pouget.

New boilers

Two new boilers will be installed at the Libro Centre at a cost of $179,930 with the town signing a contract with Cardinal Service Group Inc. for the work. A $91,305 shortfall will be funded through the general reserve, reallocation of funding set aside for artificial turf and Lexon panel replacements and the sale of a Zamboni that was replaced.

Councillor Peter Courtney had it confirmed it was two boilers that were being replaced, with director of parks, facilities and recreation Heidi Baillargeon one boiler failed and the second showed signs of failure. Courtney favoured replacing them both and hoped it would be a non-issue for a long-time after they are replaced.

Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb said successive council “worked incredibly hard to rebuild our reserve position” and this move showed why it is important. The town can be proactive and replace equipment before it totally breaks down.

Councillor Diane Pouget said “this is a need, we must do this,” but had questions over the overage. She asked about the potential risk to the reserves, but Deputy CAO Melissa Osborne said the surplus from the electric Zamboni will result in this project having little impact on reserves. Two other projects will be taken from to cover the shortfall. Treasurer Tracy Prince said the town is in a better reserve position than two years ago, and balances allow them to maintain the five-year capital project and do projects such as this.

Grant approved

Town council approved $60,000 in grant funding for a number of community groups and another has been given the green light as well. A $2,000 grant for 2nd Amherstburg Scouting was approved with a report from clerk Kevin Fox stating it was missed during budget deliberations due to an error.

Town council would approve the request, but Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb said he would prefer it to be a pre-approval for the 2026 budget.

Town agrees to purchase new aerial fire truck

By Ron Giofu