There was a definite feeling of relief and happiness at Cobalt council July 23.
Cobalt Mayor Angela Adshead stated that the town has "finally secured the funding for the fire truck."
Town manager Steven Dalley told council that he has received a letter from Infrastructure Ontario saying that the town has been approved for the funding for the new fire truck.
"But it's been a long hard battle," he added.
To get to this point, the town had to go through some processes before Infrastructure Ontario, which is a Crown lending agency, would give approval to the town to enter the long-term loan. The town had to show that its financial position was strong enough to take on the loan. Infrastructure Ontario required an approved copy of the town's 2024 budget, as well as an audited 2023 financial statement.
"Our passed budget seems to be excellent in the eyes of Infrastructure Ontario," said Dalley.
He said he will be in discussions with Infrastructure Ontario and will be bringing a bylaw to the next meeting of council.
Earlier this year the town's fire department approached council with an explanation as to why a new fire truck was needed. Council heard that the department has two fire trucks, one is about 30 years old and the one to be replaced is about 50.