Arran-Elderslie is changing its emergency fire dispatch provider from Owen Sound to St. Catharines.
It’s the second local community to make the change after Saugeen Shores. Five of Bruce County’s eight fire services have expiring contracts in 2025.
A report to council from Arran-Elderslie Fire Chief Steve Tiernan says in 2024, the Bruce County fire chiefs started discussion about having a singular dispatch service for Bruce County fire departments to enhance the level of safety and consistency while operating at fire emergencies.
The Bruce County Fire Chief’s Association visited Owen Sound, Tillsonburg and St. Catharines Dispatch Centres, since five of the eight municipalities in Bruce County also have terminating contracts.
2025 dispatching fees with Owen Sound are expected to be roughly $27,000.
Tiernan’s report says for the first year, St. Catharines will cost $23,917 with no additional cost for hardware, software or initial integration.
Council approved Tiernan’s recommendation.