Harbour Grace firefighters offering to pump money into truck purchase

By Craig Westcott/March 17, 2023

Thanks to the fundraising efforts of the volunteer fire department, Harbour Grace may soon get a new fire truck in its fleet at no cost to residents or the Town.

Mayor Don Coombs said Monday that council was recently approached by Fire Chief David Earle and Assistant Fire Chief Paul Ash with a proposal that would see the Town apply for funding under an 80/20 funding program with the provincial government whereby the province pays the lion’s share and the town council the rest. However, the firefighters are proposing to cover the Town’s 20 per cent share through their own fundraising efforts.

“The fire brigade are in need of a vehicle to replace (truck) number 5,” said Coombs. “And they would pay their 20 per cent up front as it’s a dire need.”

The purchase is important, Coombs added, as it will defer the need to replace the main pumper right away. He said with the support of Harbour Grace – Port de Grave MHA Pam Parsons and other government officials, he is confident the Town will get the funding.

“The deadline for applications is the end of this month,” Coombs said, noting he is expecting the paperwork from the fire department shortly. “It’s certainly a great initiative taken by our volunteer fire department to provide equipment.”

Meanwhile, some of the money for the new unit, if the department is successful, will come from a fundraiser this weekend – the annual St. Patrick’s Day Steak and Egg Breakfast set for 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.

“That’s the fire brigade’s biggest fundraiser for the year,” said councillor and volunteer firefighter Lee Rogers. “That’s the fundraiser that is going to help us pay for that truck. So, if people want tickets, contact any member, or stop by the hall on Saturday, have a feed and then stick around for some entertainment in the afternoon.”

Councillor Terry Barnes seconded Rogers’ thoughts.

“It’s nice when your fire department comes to you looking for a piece of equipment that is going to be no cost to the Town whatsoever,” said Barnes. “So, a pat goes on the back to our volunteer fire brigade, because they’re an exceptional bunch of men. That’s who we call on. It’s unbelievable that they took on this initiative and we wish them all the best with it.”

Councillor Brendan Chafe, who is council’s liaison with the fire department said he is looking forward to seeing the application come in so that the Town Manager and Economic Development officer can get working on it.

On a related note, Chafe pointed out, council is making application for government funding to install an accessible ramp and entranceway to the fire department’s social building. As councillor Rogers had noted earlier, the Town has applied for a $20,100 grant to cover the cost of the work. Chafe complimented EDO Matthew McCarthy for quickly jumping on it once the funding program became available. The Town is still awaiting word on whether its request has been successful.

Chafe said the $20 tickets for the Steak and Egg Breakfast can still be bought on the day of the event, which will be held at the fire department’s social building. 

Entertainment starts at 11 a.m. and continues past 4 p.m., with performances by Reilly Meadus, Vic and the Sullivans along with Bob Lynch, Benny Lewis, Jack Smith, Dean Winsor, Paul Martin, Danita Power & Paula Brushett, and Carl Lundrigan. Later that evening, there will be a dance.

“So, it should be a good time,” said Chafe.