Wellington North council has approved the purchase of a $565,000 triple combination pumper/rescue fire truck to replace an aging one in Mount Forest.
A triple combination pumper/rescue fire truck incorporates a pump, water tank and hose body, explained Fire Chief Dave Guilbault in a report to council on Oct. 23.
The township received five bids:
– Metalfab (Carrier Centres Emergency Vehicles), $652,273;
– ResQtech Systems Inc., $648,000;
– Dependable Emergency Vehicle, $599,845;
– Fort Garry Fire Trucks, $590,557; and
– Camions Carl Thibault Inc., $555,267.
Guilbault recommended the lowest bid, which falls under the approved budget of $575,000.
“It’s nice that it came under budget, it’s nice that it’s a Canadian product as well,” said councillor Steve McCabe.
Guiltbault explained it will take approximately 10 to 11 months for the truck to be built and delivered.
The new truck will replace the 1992 pumper, which has exceeded its 25-year life expectancy.
Guilbault suggested donating the old truck to Firefighters Without Borders, which the service has donated to in the past.
“It does have a value of around $7,000, but if council can see fit, we can contact Firefighters Without Borders and it could go to a Caribbean island and certainly serve them there,” he said.
Council approved the purchase of the new truck as well as the donation of the old truck.
