The Ontario Fire College in Gravenhurst has been decommissioned and shut down.
Rather than sending firefighters to the college, they will now be trained by regional training centres and online. Many fire chiefs are strongly against this sudden change. North Perth Fire Chief Ed Smith says all fire chiefs were given no notice to this announcement.
“There was no consultation with the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs in regards to closing the college. It was just announced to us through a WebEx. Basically that’s where everyone learned about it. ” said Smith.
The Township of Augusta called on fellow counties, towns and cities in Ontario to join them in calling to reverse the decision. North Perth council voted to stand with the Township.