Halifax council decides against closing fire stations

Halifax council has decided to go against recommendations by refusingto shut down any fire stations across the municipality, but the decision could come with a $6millionprice tag.

The Lady Hammond Road station in north end Halifax, King Streetin downtown Dartmouth and the Patton Road facility in Upper Sackville were all on the chopping block,along with four other rural stations.

Fire chiefDoug Trussler wanted toconsolidate in order to put crews on two aerial trucks, one on each side of the harbour, and have four firefighters on every truck all while staying with in his budget.

Dartmouth councillorGloria McCluskeysaid her vote reflected the feelings of residents.

"I guess the majority of us considered how the residents feel if they live in an area without a fire station, not very safe," she said.

Trussler now has to work with the decision that has been made.

"What I was asking for was clear direction from council and now I have that clear direction," he said. "Now it's up to me to implement it. I gave them my best professional advice, that's my job. Their job is to make a decision on that advice,and they have."

Trusslersaysthe cost of keeping the stations open could be more than $6million because he'll need to hire 59 more firefighters.

Halifax councillor Jennifer Watts thinks it can be done without any extra hiring.

"I think every councillor supports the need to have the aerials fully staffed," she said. "But in the model, when you look at the peninsula, you can do that and keep Lady Hammond open and keep the engine at Lady Hammond and not require additional staff."

Trussler is reworking his budget. Regional council agreed the tax rate could increase if extra money is needed to keep the stations open.

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