Positions at Fire Department a "Hot Topic" says Councillor King

There are two positions within the North Bay Fire and Emergency Services that need to be filled – a Chief Training Officer and a Fire Prevention Officer.

During the budget process, council approved to lower the minimum staffing level from 16 to 13 firefighters per shift.

Chair of Community Services Mark King says this report, which was sent to committee, says reallocating existing funding is the recommended option to fill these positions.

King says it will generate a lot of discussion around the table.

He says to figure it out they should really look at comparisons to other city such as Guelph.

King says the Fire Department feel they need these positions because of reduced numbers, while some Councillors have a “difference of opinion.”