The council of mayors of the MRC of L’Érable confirmed by resolution its intention to exercise its jurisdiction in the territory of the City of Princeville in matters of fire safety. This approach marks an important step in the centralization of emergency services at the regional level.
Resolution 2024-11-370, adopted unanimously, formalizes the MRC’s intention to provide a general fire safety service to Princeville, as it already does for nine other municipalities in its territory. This initiative is based on provisions provided for in the Municipal Code of Quebec, allowing the MRCs to assume such jurisdiction. To make this approach a reality, the equipment, vehicles and materials of the Princeville fire department will be integrated into those of the MRC without acquisition cost. In addition, permanent staff for this service will be hired by the MRC as of January 1, 2025.
Shared funding
The costs related to the capitalization, operation and administration of the regional fire safety service will be distributed among the participating municipalities according to a weighting based on three criteria: 55% according to the municipal population; 35% according to standardized land wealth (RFU); 10% depending on the weighted risks identified by the fire department.
A deadline to decide
Princeville and the other municipalities concerned have 90 days following receipt of this resolution to express their position. If approved, Princeville will officially become part of the regional service, thus strengthening the coordination of fire interventions throughout the MRC territory.
A new organizational chart
The merger of the SSIRÉ and the Princeville Fire Safety Service, planned for January 2025, also led to the adoption of a new organization chart. This restructuring is accompanied by several authorizations for the opening of permanent and part-time positions, including: an operations manager position; a technical firefighter position, in addition to the existing technical mechanic; two preventionist positions and several platoon leader and captain positions, replacing part-time operations leaders. In accordance with the 2025 budgetary guidelines, the council also approved the implementation of new salary classes for SSIRÉ staff.
Major investments for the SSIRÉ
On another note, two notices of motion were given to adopt borrowing regulations totaling $862,700. These funds will make it possible to acquire: $535,800 for insulating and self-contained respiratory protection devices necessary for the safety of firefighters; $326,900 for light vehicles to support daily operations.
Renewal of SSIRÉ insurance
The MRC approved the renewal of insurance coverage for SSIRÉ vehicles, premises, equipment and civil liability. Two bids from Promutuel Chaudière-Appalaches, dated October 29, were accepted, namely an amount of $32,863 for equipment and premises insurance and an amount of $38,788 for automobile insurance.
Première Ligne Software: a transition to ICO Technologies
The Première Ligne software, essential to the management of SSIRÉ interventions and operations, will now be administered by the firm ICO Technologies as of January 1, 2025. The MRC has approved the conditions for renewing the contract, amounting to $5,707, for annual maintenance and technical support.
