One thing was made clear by those in attendance at a public meeting Tuesday night, a decision to close Fire Hall 2 could completely sever the already strained relationship between Dryden and the former town of Barclay.
Residents living in that area made a passionate, emotional and personal plea to keep the building open.
Some in attendance angrily pointed out that the fire service is the only service the area receives, despite the high City tax bills they are paying.
They stated that Barclay residents are subsidizing City of Dryden services and demanded staff to look at other options to save money.
Some suggested looking at some Dryden assets.
Gus Kropf and Al Wice led the delegation and they stressed the Fire Hall is their last historic building and the only piece of identity left for Barclay residents.
However, other issues took centre stage, including unpredictable insurance impacts and public safety concerns.
The delegation told Council that losing the Hall could result in a hike 3-times their current insurance rate as well as devalued property assessments.
They pleaded Council needs to balance the fiscal conscience with a social conscience and shouldn’t put lives at risk in return for financial savings.
Some threatened repercussions if the Barclay Fire Hall is closed including a class action lawsuit or a human rights challenge.
It was a full house for the public meeting at the Centre, with the City also receiving 12 letters and emails before hand.
They all thanked Council and staff for properly consulting them in this kind of forum.
The group added they appreciate the work being done to get Dryden back on track financially, but stressed closing the Fire Hall is not the way to go.
The City has agreed that it has to step back and look at the entire picture and has agreed to hold off on any decision until at least the end of the year.
Chief Administrative Officer Ernie Remillard says staff will review all reports, statistics, insurance numbers, possible partnerships and other options.
Remillard notes one cost saving measure could be leasing a new Pumper truck at $86,000 a year, over 5-years, instead of purchasing a replacement vehicle at a one time cost of $400,000.
He’s also not ruling out future public meetings.
Fire Chief Ken Kurz says all options are on the table and he will work with the City on the best course of action.
A report to Council indicates the City could conservatively save more than $75,000 by shuttering the Barclay Fire Hall.
