Council approves new engine for FD

LEAMINGTON — Although the 2022 budget allowed for the purchase of a new tanker for Leamington Fire Services, recent problems with Engine 144 has prompted Fire Chief Andrew Baird to ask council for a change in plans.

In November of 2021, council approved a request to replace the current tanker truck at a cost of $500,000 in 2022.

The tanker, having reached its life expectancy of 20 years, was due to be replaced based solely on the age of the vehicle.

Since that time, Chief Baird says that Engine 144’s reliability has waned with numerous issues arising.

He came to council on January 25 to ask about changing the replacement of the tanker to the replacement of the engine apparatus.

Engine 144 is the frontline apparatus used by the department when a fire call comes in.

“It’s important for the firefighters to have confidence in the vehicle they are taking,” said Chief Baird. “This is our go-to vehicle.”

In recent weeks, the engine has experienced electrical issues, a fuel leak and even caught fire during a call. The fire was quickly extinguished by firefighters.

The cost for a new engine to replace Engine 144 sits at about $700,000 for the base model.

Baird says that they know the engine won’t make it to 2026 when it would normally be replaced due to the age of the apparatus.

After a brief discussion, council unanimously approved the extra expenditure, which will come out of reserves and not affect the 2022 tax budget.

Leamington CAO Peter Neufeld explained that assets are normally replaced due to their age, but the municipality is moving toward a new asset management plan, which will take the condition of the asset into account over the age of it.

The tanker is still in good shape despite its age and the hope is that it will last another five or ten years.

As for the new engine, if there is not one available off the production line in the coming months, it may take up to 500 days to have one built.