The Cape Breton Regional Municipality is looking at the possible voluntary amalgamation of fire stations. The idea is included in the draft terms of reference for an independent review of fire services discussed during yesterday’s fire and emergency services committee meeting. A 2013 task force report on fire and emergency services suggests moving to a model similar to the Halifax Regional Municipality, where the fire service has one administrative zone. The CBRM has 34 zones, each with its own legal authority. However, councillors Kevin Saccary and Lowell Cormier expressed concerns about amalgamation, saying that fire department’s are integral to the communities they serve. Cormier says the review should include a reference to community interest to make sure fire services remain part of the community. Meanwhile, Mayor Cecil Clarke says individual fire departments will be the ones that decide whether amalgamation is worthwhile for them.
