Fire Services
Detailed Discussion
I have had a chance to talk about the state of fire and rescue services with members of the Department. They are clear that staffing levels are too low and that places like Yaletown have far from adequate services given the explosive growth in population. Moreover, there is a need for equipment.
I am in support of increasing fire and rescue services in terms of personnel and equipment required to keep us all safe.
A symptom of the lack of support for our fire and rescue services is the threatened closure of Firehall 15. I must confess to having a real soft-spot for Firehall 15. Note only does it provide fire and rescue services to my immediate neighborhood, it is also a heritage site that is in danger of being demolished! The lack of action on this site is having a real impact on the state of the building. Over the past few months, a blue tarp has been draped over the roof to keep the water out.
If funding is an issue, then it is time we looked at multi-use or co-location of city services. For example, the building at 10th and Granville not only houses a firehall but is also home to a VPL Branch library.
