Media Release - Report on North Shore Fire and Rescue Services Recommends Formal Shared Services Agreement

Tuesday, March 08, 2011

Tuesday, March 8, 2011 – In a report to Council, West Vancouver Fire Chief Jim Cook presented a tri-municipal (District of West Vancouver, North Vancouver City and North Vancouver District) North Shore Fire and Rescue Services Report. The report outlined a number of recommendations on how the North Shore Fire and Rescue Services could improve services, develop greater efficiencies and build on current best practices. The project focused on practical ways to improve service quality and capacity while reducing or avoiding costs to the taxpayer.

“Many of the recommendations outlined in this report are already being put into practice,” says Jim Cook, West Vancouver Fire Chief. “The findings in this review highlighted significant progress in recent years in interdepartment cooperation. It’s this success that gives us the opportunity to continue to build shared services that will continue to meet the needs and expectations of our residents”. The Chief notes that recommendations will be thoroughly discussed with members and the union prior to implementation.

The review recognizes that a great deal of cooperation among north shore fire departments already exists, and seeks to build on that success by formalizing it.  "This report describes the on-going innovation we strive for,” says Mayor Pamela Goldsmith-Jones. “Ensuring the safety of our residents and first-responders, striving to eliminate redundancy, and strict attention to the bottom line are the direct benefits of cooperation.” Collective savings for the three departments are estimated to be achievable in the amount of $513,000.

On Monday, March 7, Council accepted the report that provides several recommendations for further consideration by the three municipalities. Some specific recommendations include:

  • The three municipalities should continue to align bylaws, policies and programs
  • Trucks should be dispatched on a “closest truck goes” basis
  • Each department should provide agreed-upon specialty services on a north-shore-wide basis
  • Large trucks such as aerial vehicles should be managed on a north-shore-wide basis
  • Education and prevention services should be consolidated over time to be north-shore-wide

For the complete report to Council, please click here. 

About the District of West Vancouver
The District of West Vancouver is the local government led by Mayor Pamela Goldsmith-Jones and Council. Home to more than 44,000 residents, West Vancouver is a local government which strives to "inspire excellence and lead by example". Our Vision and Mission guide us to pursue our treasured quality of life and will be the measure of our success as a community. West Vancouver is a community built on innovation, a strong spirit of personal civic commitment and a deep value for relationships.

Media Contact:
Jessica Delaney, Director of Communications
Cell: 604-360-8131
Direct: 604-925-4736