The Town of LaSalle will move forward with a plan to enhance fire coverage.
At its meeting this week, LaSalle Town Council signed off on a plan to financially support a model for three fire stations covering the municipality. The plan was presented to the council by Fire Chief Ed Thiessen, and town treasurer and finance director Dale Langlois.
The cost of the arrangement begins with a $200,000 increase approved for this year's budget, followed by a $25,000 incremental hike each year for ten years. That translates to an annual municipal tax rate impact range of 0.52 per cent in 2022 to 0.75 per cent in 2031.
This model consists of the current fire headquarters on Normandy St., Substation 1 on Front Road on the west end, and Substation 2 on the east end at Laurier Parkway in the area of Disputed Road.
Mayor Marc Bondy said the town's concern has always been safety and adequate emergency coverage.
"Our town is growing, and as we continue to do so it is our duty to continue to meet standards by responding to the growing needs of our community," said Bondy in a media release. "With this plan, council is committed to building a safer LaSalle."
Thiessen stressed that there are no current issues with proper fire coverage, but the changes reflect current trends.
"Up until now, we have maintained the appropriate level of fire service and response, but as current trends continue, we will have difficulty maintaining the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) guideline," said Thiessen.
The new fire model won't happen overnight. Langlois told councillors that through 2024, work will be completed on the planning and design for the Front Road substation, which will be transformed from the former Centennial Arena site. The town hopes to have that substation running by 2026, with two full-time firefighters on duty 24/7. The second substation will be built by 2031.
Complete information on the fire plan can be found on the town's official website.