Port Colborne has decided not to move forward with a shared services agreement for fire administration with Wainfleet after a review of its fire service’s needs.
As part of change, Port Colborne has appointed David Wood, previously St. Catharines’ fire chief, as new interim fire chief starting Thursday said a new release issued by the city.
The council decision follows consultation with residents, firefighters and community members, said the release.
A proposed shared services arrangement with Wainfleet would have involved the two municipalities collaborating on fire administration, and was initially seen as a potential solution to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
In late August, city council approved Wainfleet fire Chief Morgan Alcock continuing a dual role he had held since March, after former chief Scott Lawson left Port Colborne to become a deputy fire chief in Niagara Falls.
“Several residents, firefighters and community members offered their feedback on the prospect of sharing fire administration services with the Township of Wainfleet,” said the city’s release. “This insight and input were important factors in the city’s decision to not move forward.”
The release thanked Alcock and Wainfleet Deputy Chief Shawn Shutten for their service to Port Colborne over the past several months.