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Lanark County council has struck an ad hoc committee to further examine a review of its county-wide rescue services program before making any long-term decisions.
Council received a final report from The Loomex Group, which assessed the county’s rescue operations, equipment, training requirements and future service options.
The report outlined three paths forward: maintaining the status quo, disbanding the program and shifting responsibility to lower-tier municipalities, or enhancing the service by expanding specialized rescue capabilities.
Councillor Peter McKenna took special interest in potential silo rescue equipment on the horizon, which he says he’s seen demonstrations of.
Community Risk Assessment Specialist Mike Vilneef says the additional costs would come with training, and less so new equipment.
Rather than choosing an option immediately, council voted to create a committee to study the findings in more detail. The committee will review the operational, financial and training implications of each option and consult with participating fire departments.
The ad hoc group will report back to Lanark County council at a later date with recommendations.
The rescue services program currently operates three rescue units hosted by fire departments in Drummond/North Elmsley–Tay Valley, Mississippi Mills and Montague.
