Council in the Town of Smiths Falls has approved the purchase of an existing fire tanker truck from the Township of Rideau Lakes.
The tanker will be purchased for $16,000, plus $281.60 in non-rebateable HST, for a total cost of $16,281.60. The funds will be drawn from the Town’s tax base reserve.
The decision follows the termination of a long-standing automatic aid agreement between the two municipalities, which is set to end on December 31, 2025. Under that agreement, both communities had jointly contributed to the purchase of the tanker in 2005.
As part of the agreement, the tanker’s value was assessed by independent evaluators from both municipalities. After reviewing the appraisals and discussing the wide range in values, Smiths Falls and Rideau Lakes agreed on a purchase price of $16,000.
Fire Chief Rick Chesebrough told council the tanker remains essential for fire protection, particularly in areas without pressurized fire hydrants. The truck will continue to be used until a new tanker can be ordered and delivered.
Council supported the recommendation, noting that purchasing the tanker is more cost-effective than leasing and helps ensure continued fire protection for the community.