The Minto Fire Department is suspending its specialty rescue teams as they look to outsource such a service to neighbouring municipalities.
A report which went to council this week looked at changed from the province for certifications in water rescue and confined spaces.
Fire Chief Chris Harrow told council the new requirements in water rescue needs over 160 hours per firefighter on top of their other required training.
Harrow says they have backup on such services like Centre Wellington.
“Fortunately for us they have to have a water rescue team so we can use their services and we’ll have to pay for it. With the Elora Gorge there they do around 12-20 calls every year and they do have to do that for their risk assessment. Its unfortunate but we’ve had a lot of discussions and this is not a surprise to our firefighters” said Harrow.
Mayor Dave Turton commented saying this requirement of hours and manpower for the fire department was ludicrous with council accepting the report as information.
