Montreal’s fire department has decided to remove the new fire hydrant drinking fountains that were unveiled in the Plateau Mont-Royal borough earlier this month.
The fountains, which cost $5000, were given conditional approval by the fire department. But when the department saw the devices in action, it opted to withdraw its support of the pilot project.
There were two hydrants installed in the borough. One at the corner of Mont-Royal and St-Laurent Blvd. and the other at de Brébeuf St. and Mont-Royal Ave.
Many residents complained that the two circular pipes were always leaking or that the large fountains posed a threat to cyclists.
The circular Borneo hydrants were created by five local designers. The borough said the devices would help cut down on water bottles, fight heat waves, and provide access to drinking water for the city’s homeless population.
Montreal’s fire department is looking for an alternative and will have a recommendation for the borough by Friday.
