Council Approves Purchase of New Fire Tanker Truck
ADELAIDE METCALFE - At the April 15 council meeting, the agenda focused on the acquisition of a new fire tanker truck for the community's fire department. Fire Chief Dan Parker presented the detailed procurement steps for replacing the existing tanker, which has served since 2000. He also acknowledged Coulter Cahill, Public Works Manager, for his significant assistance throughout the process.
The decision to replace the tanker was based on the township’s asset management plan and the recommendations from a Fire Services Review, which highlighted the need for an upgrade to maintain efficient and reliable services.
The initial tender for the new tanker, issued in December of the previous year, did not receive any responses, prompting a review of the procurement specifications. Adjustments were made, and a second tender was issued in January 2024. This effort yielded four bids, all initially over budget. However, through negotiations, the township staff managed to bring the cost within the allocated budget by adjusting the specifications further.
Winnipeg-based Fort Garry Fire Trucks was ultimately selected as the supplier, offering a bid that was $10,282 below the budget limit of $575,000. The truck is expected to be delivered within 18 to 20 months from the purchase sign-off.
Councillor Garett Kingma inquired about the inspection process, to which Chief Parker responded that it would involve continuous communication with the manufacturer and possibly a visit to the facility to ensure the specifications are met accurately.
Mayor Sue Clarke highlighted the effort made by the fire department to tailor the specifications to their exact needs without unnecessary expenditures. The chief confirmed that the specifications were carefully adjusted to avoid the initially proposed larger pump, which was not required, ensuring that the vehicle met their precise operational needs without excess cost.
Council unanimously approved the purchase of the new tanker truck, with motions moved by Councillor Noordhof and seconded by Councillor Kingma.
David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Middlesex Banner
