A new fire agreement is expected to provide improved service for residents living in the southwestern portion of Mapleton.
In the past, the communities of Macton, Dorking and Wallenstein have been served by fire departments in Mapleton (Drayton station) and Woolwich (Floradale station).
“The Wellesley (Linwood) station would provide faster response times to this area with [its] proximity to them,” Mapleton Fire Chief Rick Richardson recently told council.
He explained Mapleton fire fighters would have to travel 20.1km from the Drayton station to reach the Macton corner at County Roads 12 and 86, while firefighters from the Linwood station are just 5.1km from that corner.
When asked, Richardson said the agreement won’t save Mapleton any money – in fact, it may cost the township a bit more – but the idea is to provide the best possible service for all residents.
Councillors agreed and passed new agreements with both Woolwich and Wellesley Townships.
“If we can better serve the remote corners of our municipality, it’s to all our benefits,” said Mayor Bruce Whale.
The agreement with Wellesley Township, which runs until the end of 2015, will see Mapleton pay a flat fee of $140 per response, plus additional costs.
