Firefighters object to updated fire bylaw

By Sharon McLeay Times Contributor

Community fire service personnel are not happy with the updated fire bylaw brought to Wheatland County council on April 17.
Firefighter Craig Nelson spoke on behalf of the Dalum, Rockyford, Rosebud and Standard fire departments and rural fire associations. He pointed out some of the deficiencies in the document.
“We very strongly feel there are numerous issues, errors and items needing discussion before this bylaw moves forward,” said Nelson.
He said the group could not see where new provincial changes were a catalyst to create the new bylaw and asked if those requirements could be more directly indicated. They also would like a definition section, breaking down the various positions listed in the bylaw, worded with more clarity on how they relate to the present fire services hierarchy. The fire personnel said the format was confusing.
He stated services were told the February 2007 mutual aid agreements between services were no longer valid and that many services never had written mutual aid agreements.
“Section four … part of this section is overbearing and redundant, and put the regional fire chief and deputy fire chief in total control of all fire scenes and fire departments, and this will not work,” said Nelson.
He said they disagreed with removal of autonomy for budgets and purchases.
“Micromanagement seems to be the big issue here,” said Nelson. “Instead of a view to control costs and save for the future … we will have to budget high and spend all the money.”
He compared the bylaw to the one developed in Rocky View County, which he said now has a budget of $14 million.
He felt the process for developing the bylaw does not set up a partnership situation and will have an impact on whether volunteers will put themselves forward.
“We have issues and we must ask ourselves … where the partnership is?” said Nelson.
“We present this to plead to have full input on this bylaw and to show true respect and partnership on this bylaw.”
Nelson said it would be more productive to form a committee that includes community fire members, to go through the bylaw piece by piece.
“I hope that Wheatland County council is open to some negotiation on this process,” said Rockyford Mayor Darcy Burke.
He referenced the FireWise consultation that was done prior to developing the fire service agreement. He commended the process and points implemented in it, and said a similar ad-hoc committee would be valuable in re-evaluating the proposed bylaw.
“We ended up with a document that every party agreed with and it was not a waste of time,” said Burke.
He said provincial changes could be adapted into the existing fire services agreement, rather than drafting a new fire bylaw. Burke said the bylaw reinvents the wheel.
“I honestly believe if you want to have a true partnership you need good communication, and good communication brings about awareness and respect. But today, I think we faltered there,” said Burke. “Our fire service is about watching each other’s back and that should be what it is all about.”
Fred Gates, Standard Fire Association president, agreed.
“We were hoping for a bit of roundtable discussion. We have a lot of upset firefighters who feel they have been left out of this for five years. I don’t think you really understand what’s going on,” he noted. “Our firefighters are very disappointed by council. You haven’t met with us for over five years. If you aren’t willing to meet with us on a formal basis, you need to get a feel for their concerns.”
Wheatland County Reeve Glenn Koester said the old fire bylaw was lacking and needed revisions.
“Nothing has changed, the old bylaw is still in effect and the old agreements are still in effect until we come up with a new one,” said Koester. “Don’t let the fear of the unknown rule the day.”
Koester said that the province is requiring three to 10 years of planning reports under the Municipal Government Act.
The first reading of the bylaw was approved with Councillor Jason Wilson opposed.
“I don’t know how we are expected to make a well-educated decision on the basis of the information we have been shown, especially with the people stating their grievances here,” said Wilson. “No matter if we can change some things, or no things, based on the provincial legislation, they deserve to be heard. They are ratepayers as well as firefighters. It is our job and we have obligations to our ratepayers as well as our firefighters. I don’t think we have done our due diligence in that aspect.”
Legal counsel suggested the delegation could give council and staff a written format of their concerns with references to relevant sections in the proposed bylaw.
The group said they would submit their concerns in writing and staff will bring the document back for discussion in council at the time of second reading.