Halifax council backs long-term strategy for fire services as population grows

The Halifax Professional Fire Fighters Union has commended the Halifax council for its efforts to create a long-term strategy for the fire services amidst growing population. Brendan Meagher, the union's president, emphasizes that the service has been chronically underfunded since the city's amalgamation, and the need to match the surge in population growth.

Meagher illustrates the ongoing issue, stating, "And so the deficits that we’re looking at now in our capabilities are due to the first 20 years after amalgamation of contracting our service. So it’s time to build."

Coun. Janet Steele introduced two motions to council on Tuesday, requesting staff to devise a long-term strategy for Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency. She highlights the department's annual requests for more staffing and resources during budget meetings. Steele's aim is to bring more predictability, transparency, and foresight to council planning, benefiting residents and firefighters alike.

Coun. Tony Mancini identifies the insufficient resourcing as part of the broader problem of rapid growth in the municipality. He emphasizes the need to assess whether the current infrastructure, including emergency services, is adequate. Mancini questions the financial burden of fire and emergency services, noting that they are a costly business.

Meagher views this initiative as long overdue, hoping for a substantial increase in staffing and improvements to firefighting training, particularly for high-rise fires. However, he warns that this will require consistent effort over many years, potentially involving significant expenses. Meagher states, "I would suggest that if a good objective look is taken at the fire service, that the economic impact of not investing properly in emergency response is potentially catastrophic."