MOUNT STEWART, P.E.I. — Mount Stewart Fire Department’s long – and recently bumpy – road has come to a definitive end.
Council voted two to one Monday to close and decommission the department, which was established in the early 1960s.
Coun. Kristine Crann moved the motion, which calls for council to contract East River Fire Department to provide fire services to the rural municipality in a multi-year agreement.
The motion was seconded by Coun. Ralph Dunn. Coun. Julie Ann McKay voted against the motion, telling The Guardian sentiment drove her decision.
“In my heart … I just don’t want to see it go,’’ she said.
The motion notes MSFD has experienced operational concerns in recent years. There has been a significant reduction in resources and capacities beginning in February 2019. The fire department had operations temporarily suspended by council at the beginning of April.
Now, the Mount Stewart Fire Department has answered its final call.
Council will seek legal opinion to facilitate the assessment, valuation and liquidation of fire service assets.
The municipality will retain all historical records and appropriate memorabilia to be retained.
Council will also explore possible uses and alternatives for the vacated floor space.
A public meeting was held May 8 to inform residents – and receive input – on future direction of fire services.
A closed special council meeting was held May 15 to review resident input.
Deputy Mayor Stacey Evans said roughly two-thirds of the residents who offered their thoughts on the contentious issue sided with East River Fire Department providing service to Mount Stewart.
“Residents want excellent fire services,’’ added Evans.
She described the process of getting to Monday’s vote as “arduous’’.
A great deal of division emerged during a drawn-out affair that has seen a council dissolve and residents passionately voicing their concerns and opinions.
A few disgruntled residents walked out of Monday’s meeting, firing choice words at council.
Some called for council to just get on with the vote, noting the outcome appeared to be a fait accompli.
Others praised council for their tireless effort to reach a decision on fire services that would best serve the municipality.
The municipality will need to hold a by-election by Sept. 27 to fill two seats vacated over the heated conflict. In late March, Maxine Jay-Doucette resigned as mayor and Patricia Doucette stepped down as councilor.
Trevor MacDonald has since moved into the mayoralty seat, but he would have to run in the by-election if he hopes to remain as mayor.
