New fire hall debate heats up

By Janis Ramsay Barrie Advance Dec 16, 2010
BARRIE – The city may lease a building in the southwest end for a new fire hall, at least until a permanent facility can be built.
Ward 7 Coun. John Brassard said Monday night he wants a study done – at a cost not to exceed $35,000 – so when the budget is passed in March, there won’t be any delays for the fire department moving in.
The cost of leasing a building, hiring 20 new firefighters and buying equipment such as a fire truck would be more than $2 million next year.
But Ward 1 Coun. Bonnie Ainsworth doesn’t want council to waste any cash on a study for the new space.
“I want to have a clear understanding of what we’re committing to. This ($2 million) amounts to a one-point tax increase to the city of Barrie,” she said.
The study would list the specifications of a leased space. “There’s a certain rigidity needed of the floor, and there’s considerations that the diesel trucks will be next to the sleeping quarters,” said Jim Sales, general manager of community operations. “It’s a unique building with unique qualifications.”
But Ainsworth said there’s no point in reinventing the wheel. “For a building we’re going to rent for five years, couldn’t we have staff look in the back drawer somewhere and do it themselves?”
But CAO Jon Babulic told her staff is busy and couldn’t do the job. A consultant would be needed.
“That’s very alarming to me. Maybe I’m simplifying the task at hand,” said Ainsworth.
She then questioned why the southwest corner of Barrie even needed a new fire hall. “There is an exposure (to not meet time requirements) in all four corners of Barrie,” said Ainsworth.
That comment angered Brassard. He said Barrie’s Master Fire Plan shows the southwest area has a larger deficiency than any other spot in the city. “The entire area needs service now. On Selkirk Crescent someone was almost killed, the department’s response time wasn’t what it should have been, and residents want it built,” he said.
“They don’t want anyone to suffer what this lady (on Selkirk) suffered. I want it to happen now.”
The study was approved by council, with Ainsworth and Ward 4 Coun. Barry Ward opposed.