Well, we are less than a month until the election closes.
For the past several months, I have been communicating with several community leaders in a lot of the outer wards and communities. When asked what their concerns are, I rarely heard the KED, Junction East or the opioids/mental health crisis.
These three items seem to always be the main discussion points in the local media. Don't get me wrong, these are major topics and need to be addressed.
But I am also aware of the volunteer fire departments and lack of staffing. The lack of maintenance used within city buildings, such as the Onaping Community Centre is a pressing issue as well.
On behalf of the citizens, their guests and visitors, I am calling for an immediate release of the Fire Optimization document in its entirety. The city's plan for these fire departments is of utmost importance and could be the difference between life and death.
Based on the leaked map of cutting several volunteer stations throughout the outer communities, election candidates should be allowed access and make it part of our platforms.
Also, the city should work with people who want to help the community by becoming a volunteer firefighter, rather than denying them if they are not up to date with a certification. The city should and can easily provide training for volunteer firefighters.
The safety of all is of the utmost importance, and all fire trucks need to be equipped with an AED and oxygen. Additionally, volunteers need to be trained on how to use them. In an emergency, time is of the essence and seconds can be the difference in saving a life, instead of losing one.
The outer communities need to have a say, and as mayor, I will ensure that they do.
Editor’s note: You can find the latest information on the status of the fire optimization report in this story from Tyler Clarke.
Don Gravelle is running to be mayor of Greater Sudbury in the upcoming Oct. 24 municipal election.
