Rising operational costs, particularly for insurance, have forced Pass Lake’s fire department to substantially hike the annual fee it remits to area property owners who depend on having a department in the remote community just northeast of Thunder Bay.
“This decision was not made lightly, and we understand that some landowners may have questions or concerns about this increase,” says a letter from the Pass Lake Volunteer Fire Protection Team.
“We believe,” the letter added, “the adjustment is necessary to ensure that we can continue providing the level of service our community depends on.”
According to the letter, landowners are being asked for $250 by the end of this month.
Sharon Bak, who is the chair of the fire protection team board, didn’t have exact figures on Tuesday but said last year’s fee was under $200.
Bak noted that while the board has no authority to demand the fee be paid, “we usually get a good response, with some people paying more than $250.”
The board several years ago decided to request a fee to help cover some of the fire department’s costs, instead of annual fundraising, which can be difficult in small communities with limited pools of volunteers.
Like most rural fire departments in unorganized areas across the province, Pass Lake receives funds to buy major equipment like fire trucks, but must cover operating costs with their own resources.
According to the letter sent to Pass Lake landowners, the fire department’s insurance premium has risen to nearly $9,000 from just over $7,100, in the past three years.
In the past two years, the department had to deal with a flood at its fire hall and the replacement of the hall’s garage-door motor.
“The reality is that costs will continue to rise, and the department will face significant expenditures in the years ahead,” the letter says.
While funding programs are available for rural fire departments, the letter adds, “they are often limited in scope, inconsistent, (and) never guaranteed.”
