Published: October 26, 2023 @ 1:30 p.m.
The Town of Grand Bay-Westfield, including its Volunteer Fire-Rescue Department, remain committed towards its Strategic Priority of Organizational Capacity.
At a Council meeting on October 23, 2023, Town Council approved the Fire-Rescue Department Level of Service Policy.
As noted in the Fire Service Review conducted by Transitional Solutions Inc., defining a Level of Service (LOS) Policy will aid the Fire-Rescue Department in achieving a strategic approach to its overall management. A LOS Policy is intended to define the minimum level of protection, however, often times, actual service levels provided will be higher. The Policy allows Council to clearly communicate to the Fire-Rescue Department, as well as residents and businesses, the desired preparedness and response capacity to manage and mitigate risks in the community.
Whereas the Review found the Fire-Rescue Department to be “a capable and well-run Fire Rescue Service” providing services “in-line with industry standards and best practices,” the Policy primarily formalizes the level of service that the Department has been providing for years.
There are two exceptions, in the form of new services, which will be incorporated into the Department’s operations when qualifying trigger points are met. This includes enhancing Fire prevention, inspection, and investigation services, as well as the provision of water rescue services.
Quotes
“The Fire-Rescue Department Level of Service Policy aligns with Council’s commitment to transparency, and its Strategic Priority of Organizational Capacity. Approval of this Policy provides residents and businesses a clear outline of the services they can continue to expect to receive from our dedicated and efficient Fire-Rescue Department.” – Mayor Brittany Merrifield, Town of Grand Bay-Westfield
“The Department is pleased to have this Level of Service Policy as a framework to guide us in the procedural decision-making process. Along with the recommendations contained in the Fire Service Review and Strategic Plan, we are positioned for continued success to ensure the needs of the community and Council are met.” – Troy Gautreau, Fire Chief, Grand Bay-Westfield Volunteer Fire-Rescue Department
For more information
To view the Fire-Rescue Department Level of Service Policy, Fire Service Review and 10-Year Strategic Plan, visit HERE.
To view the Council meeting of October 23, 2023, visit the Town’s YouTube channel HERE. (Fire-Rescue Department Level of Service was addressed at 49:40 minute mark of the Council meeting).
Town Contact Information
Phone: (506) 738-6400 (Option 3 for after-hours urgent matters)
Email: administration@towngbw.ca
In-person: 609 River Valley Drive, Monday to Friday (excluding holidays), 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Register for Grand Bay-Westfield Emergency Alerts
The Town of Grand Bay-Westfield encourages residents to register for the emergency alert system (CodeRED by OnSolve). This is to ensure that the Town can notify residents in the event of emergency situations or critical community alerts. To register, visit HERE.
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