â–º Listen Live

Fire Chief concerned with PPE supply in town update

Finances, the future and protective equipment. That’s what the mayor of Bonnyville and regional fire chief were talking about in a Wednesday press conference in town council. In an update to town residents, Mayor Gene Sobolewski says he’s been in talks with provincial leaders including Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw on when restrictions can slowly start easing.

“They talked about, with the warming weather and need for walking and exercise, that they might start looking at the possibility of some areas being able to relax and the same thing with hairdressers and salons and nails and things like that. It’s to figure out ways to start opening up some of those businesses.”

The mayor says the talks also included finances and provincial funding to help the area. The town is getting ready to set its budget in the next week. Sobolewski says that balancing the books will require dipping into funds set aside for rainy days in the past.

“The town has a rainy day fund and the thunder clouds have been clapping for the last five to six weeks. It’s raining quite heavily so we are going to be utilizing it.”

Bonnyville Regional Fire Chief Jay Melvin has been meeting with groups like Bonnyville Health Centre and the RCMP and says a common concern is the lack of Personal Protective Equipment in the area.

“Obviously we are at a lower risk than a major urban centre but at the end of the day, the hazards are still the same. We still have the health centre, we still have people that are sick, getting swabbed. PPE is critical.”

Melvin says the concerns have been sent to local MLAs as well as federal politicians. He says as of this week PPE shipments are slowly starting to come into the area.

Updates from the town are available on its official Youtube page.

Mike Marshall
Mike Marshall
News / Afternoon Host
- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

RCMP officer’s child exploitation case moves to King’s Bench

The case of St. Paul RCMP officer Evan Peacock, who is facing multiple child exploitation charges, has been raised to the Court of King's Bench, with his next appearance set for July 7 in St. Paul. 

RCMP seeking help in identifying break-in suspects at Lac Bellevue Legion campground

St. Paul RCMP are asking for the publics assistance in identifying three people suspected of breaking into the Lac Bellevue Legion campground in the county of St. Paul. 

Cold Lake council offering 1,000 free kids tickets for RCMP Musical Ride

The RCMP Musical Ride is coming to Cold Lake on July 24 and the city is making it easier for families to attend by giving up to 1,000 free children's tickets. 

Cold Lake adjusts sponsorship for RCMP charity golf tournament

During the June 24th council meeting, Cold Lake city council approved a request to move $3,500 sponsorship grant for the upcoming RCMP Charity Golf Tournament after the original sponsorship level became unavailable. 

Safety upgrades pushed for St. Brides intersection following deadly crash

St. Paul councillor is calling for safety improvements at the St. Brides intersection following a deadly crash in April that claimed three lives. 
- Advertisement -