Morris-Turnberry apparently has $1,500,000 burning a hole in their pocket, and are willing to spend it duplicating a service that is already provided locally.
Morris-Turnberry has decided to build two fire halls, one in Lower Town Wingham the other near Belgrave. Even though fire protection is an essential service, one must question the logic of two fire halls only a kilometer or two from each other (Down Town Wingham and Lower Town Wingham).
The dream of co-operating with our neighbors seems to be fading rapidly. The lack of industrial & commercial land for development has stalled the growth of our community. The need for co-operation with our neighbouring municipalities is crucial for the survival of what’s left in Wingham and the surrounding area. Prosperity now seems like a pipe dream.
Currently Morris-Turnberry contracts out fire protection from surrounding municipalities, including North Huron and Huron East. The two new fire halls (Lower Town & Belgrave) are expected to open by January 2014.
Morris-Turnberry will cease paying North Huron for fire protection once their fire halls are operational. North Huron taxes will have to increase, in order to offset the lost revenue from M-T.