By Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star Published: September 23, 2008
The District of Coldstream is finally speaking up over an issue that stems from its Aug. 1 dismissal of fire chief Leo Lecavalier. Council has issued a public statement to address concerns raised by residents surrounding the fire department. The statement does not directly refer to the dismissal of Lecavalier, but aims to address local concerns that taxpayers will be on the hook for a paid, full-time fire department. Those concerns have stemmed from the dismissal of Coldstream’s fire chief, which has stirred rumours that the fire department could disband or lose a number of volunteers out of protest. “Coldstream council and its administration have not discussed a paid full- time fire department, nor has it been contemplated that the municipality would be forced into such a change in the overall operations of our current fire department,” said Mayor Gary Corner, reading the statement at Monday’s council meeting. Instead, a committee is being formed of council’s seven members, administration and three members each from the Coldstream and Lavington fire departments to discuss and work through current issues. Coldstream’s deputy chief Lawrie Skolrood is optimistic. “It’s a good start,” he said. “This was something that needs to be done and we have to redefine our relationship. “There are some issues that need to be ratified before we do that.”Skolrood admits that with everything the department has had to deal with, including the recent move into the new fire hall, it’s been difficult for members to keep focused. But, he adds: “The executive with the department wants to get back to business and deal with what we do best.”
Corner is also optimistic that problems can be resolved. “We are confident these issues will be addressed to the satisfaction of council, firefighters and administration,” said Corner. Therefore with this new committee being struck and hopes that relationships can be fixed, home owner insurance rates in relation to fire protection aren’t expected to increase. “Coldstream currently falls within the best coverage available (fire department within eight kilometres with hydrants, mutual aid agreements and financing of the fire department through taxation) and does not foresee any changes in the way this service is delivered to the residents of Coldstream,” said Corner. The District of Coldstream will work with the current fire departments’ executive, and perhaps in the new year a new Coldstream chief will be elected, said Skolrood.
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Morning Star Editorial Sept 23 District is simply saving face
It's been more than seven weeks since the District of Coldstream dismissed the volunteer fire chief from his duties. Since then, the only answer as to why chief Leo Lecavalier was fired has been, "no comment." Now, the politicians are finally saying something. And they must be applauded for that. Unfortunately, any Coldstream residents searching for answers to the dismissal of a man who has dedicated 25-years, won't find any in the district's statement. But what they will find is an attempt by council to mend its relationship with the firefighters, which is hanging on by an invisible thread. Council is confident it can resolve the issues and it deserves praise for at least trying, and making that first step.
Unfortunately, it likely won't be that easy. There are approximately 54 firefighters between the two fire halls. Of those 54, it's likely that the events leading up to and the actual firing of Lecavalier have left a bitter taste in many of those mouths. Just one example is how many of those volunteer firefighters are feeling bullied – fearing for their own jobs. That's a lot of trust and respect that needs to be built back up. And anyone who has had to build back trust in someone knows that it is a difficult process that doesn't happen overnight. So while the apparent intention of the District of Coldstream seems well, it's seven weeks too late. It's a nice attempt to rectify the problem, but to some, it will appear as nothing more than simply saving face.
8 comments:
Well, Im sure alot of us have friends on either Fire Dept..And I can tell you one thing, there are more problems with morale among the firefighters than this bunch of fools (Coldstream council) wants to admit. In fact, several fire fighters are on the verge of resigning over this firing.
And if you're a voter in the next municipal election, I would make one suggestion and anyone thinking of supporting the Coldstream Rate Payers, just question what the Coldstream Rate Payers had to do with this firing..Im sure the voting public would love to know!!!! And for the public to really know, all council has to do is de-classify the in- camera motion and then we can all find out who voted to support the firing..it's just that simple.
The RatePayers had NOTHING'TO DO' with the firing!
In fact the Ratepayers called a public meeting in protest!!
CAN YOU READ??
It is so easy to point fingers, but then, who among us knows the the ENTIRE TRUTH???
I venture a wild guess that the WHOLE TRUTH is not what is being promoted by the Ratepayers, nor by the deposed Fire Chief, nor by the District of Coldstream.
Speaking of the District, they cannot or will not disclose the details of these in camera discussions, and strangely this is purportedly for the protection of the deposed Fire Chief, yet it is arguably to the detriment of Council and staff's reputations.
Are any of you Coldstreamers out there really prepared to know the WHOLE, UGLY TRUTH, or are you content to spread gossip?
I think that the discussions surrounding the issue should be kept under wraps to protect everybody involved. But I cannot see any reason why the result of the vote could not be disclosed.
But then again, it may raise more ugly questions. What was it they used to say about sleeping dogs?
Oh yeah, I remember. Don't kick them around election time.
And what do You promote Ratepayer hater????
Oh please...Having a public hearing is only another way of the Coldstream Rate Payers asking for a soap box to stand on. We don't want to listen to has been's or want to be's..Let's listen to members of the community who actually have a clear vision of how to tackle the pressing issues facing us, the tax payers, such as infrastructure, loss of jobs and continual rising crime. We are sick and tired of always hearing the complaining about what not to do.
In so far as the issue surrounding the firing of the Fire Chief, de-classify the vote and the story will be out..
To the blogger concerned about the voter discontent with the Rate Payers..Im not sure where you have been,but, there's alot of discontent out there. People have grown very tired of the BS. and negativity.
Sadly, you've probably been listening to Little Miss Red Riding Hood for too long and are now starting to believe that there's actually alot of support for the rate payers. Sorry to burst your bubble.
Amen brother,that's a fact.
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