The city of North Battleford has issued a news release confirming that it will no longer provide fire service to the rural municipality of North Battleford No. 437, effective after the end of the month.
“The City will no longer service the RM after March 31. At that time, the RM will be fully responsible for all fire and emergency services to all residents and businesses within the municipality,” stated city manager Randy Patrick in the news release.
The city and RM had been at an impasse since their last agreement expired in December. The city has continued to provide service to RM residents in the meantime. According to the city, this was while the RM made arrangements for a new volunteer fire service.
Businesses that need to have approved emergency plans are being encouraged by the city to contact the RM to renew them, as previous approvals were reviewed under the authority of the City’s Fire Service. “Effective April 1, the City’s Fire Department no longer has statutory authority to provide reviews,” the release states. The city is also asking that anyone in the RM with questions about their fire service should contact the RM for details.
As for the RM of North Battleford, they are currently in the process of recruiting volunteer firefighters. An advertisement is posted on the RM's website titled "Volunteer Firefighters Wanted," stating the RM is developing a volunteer fire department and seeking those who would like to join.
Those interested are being asked to contact the RM either in person at Highway 4 and Forest Hall Road, by email at rm437@sasktel.net, or by phone at 306-445-3604.
