Fire dispatch response typical

Re: Niagara Falls firefighters group says merging dispatch centres with St. Catharines would result in ‘massive loss of control’, Feb. 28

Niagara Falls city council heard from that city’s chief administrative officer a recommendation to amalgamate Niagara Falls dispatch service with the City of St. Catharines service.

Niagara Falls estimated annual savings from such a merger would be approximately $240,000.

It should be of no surprise that Niagara Falls city councillors voted unanimously against the motion.

The cost of fire services in Niagara Falls in 2023, without capital amortization, was $27 million for a population of 96,000, making the cost per resident approximately $282.

Despite Niagara Falls having one of the most expensive fire departments in Ontario for communities with 30,000 or more in population, the decision of council was to forgo these potential tax savings.

But isn’t this the issue with any type of amalgamation within Niagara, a concern over loss of control?

Most local politicians do not have the willingness or capacity for change, even if it is demonstrated that change will result in significant savings for taxpayers.

Niagara should be looking at full amalgamation of fire services, as it would save taxpayers money and create efficiencies, as was the case when the City of Hamilton amalgamated fire services. The cost savings of having just one fire chief versus 11 would be more than $1 million annually.

One only has to look at the Lincoln and Grimsby pilot project to provide shared fire protection to see benefits of amalgamation. The pilot was been deemed a success and the amalgamation has received recognition.

Significant governance reform is needed in Niagara in order to reduce duplication of services and the costs of the duplication. Clearly the only way this will happen is with provincial intervention.

Allen McKay, St. Catharines