Agreements add Dysart et al and McNab/Braeside to Smiths Falls fire dispatch network
SMITHS FALLS — When it comes to fire safety, timing is everything.
The town is set to add two more municipalities to its roster of Smiths Falls fire dispatch clients, while also renewing a long-standing fire protection agreement with Drummond/North Elmsley.
Mayor Shawn Pankow says it’s not a lucrative deal, but it’s one where safety of the residents matter, first and foremost.
Fire Chief Rick Chesebrough told council Sept. 15 that Dysart et al in Haliburton County and McNab/Braeside in Renfrew County have both passed resolutions to transfer their services to Smiths Falls fire dispatch. Both municipalities cited firefighter safety concerns with their current providers, which do not offer two-way communication or wide-area paging.
“With the new radio consoles we installed, we now have the capability to expand services to other municipalities,” Chesebrough said. “The contracts are based on our cost recovery matrix, taking into account staffing, operations and equipment upgrades.”
The two five-year contracts are worth a combined $67,950 annually plus CPI. Revenues will be prorated for 2025 depending on start dates, with funds earmarked for additional dispatch staff and equipment replacement.
Smiths Falls fire dispatch currently serves all 10 Lanark County fire departments and seven others in the region. A third municipality has also expressed interest.
Mayor Shawn Pankow asked whether the new agreements presented any additional liabilities for Smiths Falls.
Chesebrough noted that both insurance providers and council authorizations cover the arrangements. Council gave direction for bylaws authorizing the contracts to be brought forward.
Council also reviewed a separate recommendation from Chesebrough to renew the town’s fire protection services agreement with Drummond/North Elmsley.
Smiths Falls has provided coverage to a portion of that township for more than 25 years.
The new contract comes as Rideau Lakes Township prepares to terminate its long-standing fire protection services agreement with Smiths Falls at year’s end. Council in Rideau Lakes voted earlier this year to withdraw, which would save the neighbouring municipality $82,000 in annual fees. Mutual Aid will still be in effect.
The renewed five-year deal with DNE, with a possible two-year extension, is valued at $12,335 annually plus CPI. In 2024, Smiths Falls responded to six calls in the coverage area, and six so far in 2025.
Pankow said while the agreement isn’t a large source of revenue, it ensures residents receive timely service.
“It’s not financially lucrative, but I know it’s the right thing to do,” Pankow said. “For the people living in that area, we are the closest hall, and our trucks can often arrive sooner than others.”
Coun. Peter McKenna also voiced support, calling it an example of cost-effective collaboration. “Working together with our neighbours allows us to deliver high-quality services that we couldn’t do as effectively on our own,” he said.
Council is expected to approve both the new contracts with Smiths Falls fire dispatch and the Drummond/North Elmsley renewal with bylaw agreements that were ratified that evening.
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