By Luc Robert
The towns of Prévost and Saint-Hippolyte voted in favor of the creation of an intermunicipal fire authority, during the regular meeting of their respective municipal councils, last Monday, November 11 and Tuesday, November 12.
All that was missing was the signature of Saint-Jérôme, who had herself commissioned the study to merge the services, for the official launch of the project to unify the sapper forces. The construction of a new barracks is also planned in the Bellefeuille sector, near the Soucy Baron company. A resolution to this effect appeared on the agenda of the ordinary municipal meeting of Saint-Jérôme, which was held on Tuesday, November 19.
Prudence
In Prévost, Mayor Paul Germain has kept an ace up his sleeve in this voluminous file.
“We voted in favor of the creation, but we retained a six-month right of withdrawal if the negotiations do not go as we wish. Consolidation remains the only way for Prévost to obtain internal guarding and first responder service without breaking the bank. Our share would increase from 10.4% to 12.4% in 2027. In addition, we are working to obtain a guarantee of employment for our firefighters, with the possibility of training for those who must take refresher courses to become a full-time firefighter. We will not leave anyone behind, while going for the best value for money for services to our citizens,” he emphasized at the meeting held at the Saint-François-Xavier hall in Prévost.
“Also, if we don’t like a decision, a vote could allow us to block it. Saint-Jérôme has two votes, while Saint-Hippolyte and we will have one vote each,” he added. Note that the firefighters of Saint-Hippolyte and Saint-Jérôme are the only ones to have a job guarantee until now.
Also, the Provost mayor said he was convinced that the population will benefit in the long term. “We will have a 24/7 Fire Department: it’s a responsible choice. This translates into better strike force and shorter response times. The quality of services remains essential. »
The barracks
However, some uncertainty remains regarding the Robert-Monette barracks. While the firefighters’ union has been hot on Mr. Germain’s heels to find out if it will be sacrificed, he analyzed the situation like this.
“We do not know what scenario will be considered. Who says that within 2 to 3 years, other surrounding municipalities, for example Sainte-Anne-des-Lacs, would not be interested in joining us? The barracks may stay open longer than you think. Many things can happen in the medium term. »
In the study of a possible creation of management, it was mentioned that major renovations would be desirable at the Robert-Monette barracks.
The approximately 24 Provost firefighters also met the director of the Unified Fire Safety Directorate, Mr. Patrice Brunelle, last week. They said they were encouraged by his words and welcomed the offer of permanence, but intend to keep their eyes open in a possible process of merging the three fire departments.
