Belleville City Council approved a recommendation to move forward with an overhaul of its fire service at council’s meeting on Monday.
The proposal includes relocating the Moira Street West fire hall to the former Agricultural Society property on Sidney Street and Bridge Street West, to address aging infrastructure and a shifting population.
There are also plans to move the Harmony Road fire hall to a more strategic site.
Councillor Sean Kelly voted in favour, saying that everyone in Belleville is utilizing the same fire service.
“Public safety is a priority, and when I hear that we’re nickel and diming it and others are paying almost double than others that are in the same city, I think it’s time now that we move this divided line away from the city of Belleville, and we’re one. I’ll leave it at that.” Councillor Kelly said.
Meantime, Councillor Paul Carr said he would vote against it, raising concerns
“It makes me stop and pause as far as introducing composite and what does that door open down the road that will have consequences that this council or another Council will have to face in terms of tax implications, levels of service and on and on it goes.” Councillor Carr explained.
The motion was ultimately passed by council.
