Cold Lake Fire-Rescue is getting ready to replace its aging rescue truck at the Downtown District Fire Station after maintenance challenges due to limited replacement parts.
The current truck is an 1998 CMS C-Series Top Kick Diesel, and was identified for replacement in 2019 during the Behr Feasibility Study. “This is the type of truck that typically responds to vehicle collisions or crashed,” said Mayor Craig Copeland. “It’s a bit more compact than something like a ladder or pumper truck, which also helps it get into smaller spaces, like you might experience at the scene of an accident.”
When it was first brought to council $650,000 was set aside for a replacement in 2023, with an additional $100,000 added in 2024, totalling $750,000. However, inflation pushed the final cost to just over $925,000.
“The last time we replaced a Ladder Truck, it cost around $1 million,” said Copeland. “At the time, we thought that was a big price tag, and for a much larger firetruck. We were a bit shocked to see how much prices have increased, but this equipment needs replacing. Keeping our fire-rescue equipment up-to-date helps to keep our community safe.”
Council voted to increase the budget by $175,920, funding the full amount through the unrestricted surplus and including it in the 2025 Capital Budget. The new rescue truck will be built by Fort Garry Fire Trucks.
