Concerns by Councillor Ed Russell regarding how Canmore’s fire department sources its equipment won’t result in a review of that process.
Russell questioned the cost of personal protective equipment in the capital budget and put forward a motion to review its procurement.
“We have to keep these guys alive and healthy, but I raised an issue during budget committee discussions and there is some question on pricing,” he said. “I don’t want to spend extra money to put it on the shelves.”
He said a Google search for similar equipment found a lower price than what administration was proposing in the budget.
Mayor John Borrowman said for the budget item to be recommended to council – $60,000 for protective equipment and $28,000 for rescue equipment lifecycle replacement – administration has already reviewed the request.
“It seems to me it would not be a capital project request if it had not been reviewed,” he said.
There was also concern that by passing the motion council is getting into how administration operates.
“It looks to me like council is getting into the nitty gritty of operational matters we shouldn’t be into,” said Coun. Sean Krausert.
