Bay Roberts approves purchase of new fire truck

By Mark Squibb

The Town of Bay Roberts is getting a new fire truck, and the provincial government will be footing most of the bill.

All told, the new 2026 Freightliner, four-door, firefighting pumper truck will cost $702,608, HST included. The cost of the vehicle is being split with the provincial government covering 70 per cent of the cost.

In addition to the agreed upon 30 percent portion, the town will pay an additional $12,723 for a bumper extension that was not included in the original cost sharing agreement approved last July.

Payment was approved during the June 9 public meeting. CAO Dave Tibbo said he anticipated the town would receive the truck in the coming days, as the truck was already in St. John’s awaiting a license plate. 

Councillor Silas Badcock noted the fire department boasts one of the best fleets in the province.  Mayor Geof Seymour added that the new truck will service the community for the next 20 or 30 years.

Council also approved at the June 9 meeting the purchase of $44,729, HST included, worth of self-contain breathing apparatuses from Safety Source to replace current equipment.