The Rosemere population came out in large numbers Monday night at city council to denounce the city's recent decision to shut down its fire department.
The decision was made in order to save $1.5 million dollars annually over the next 20 years.
The town said it will now rely on the neighbouring town of Blainville for its fire protection needs.
Security carefully monitored visitors attending the city council meeting, where constituents wanted to know why the signed an agreement to have neighbouring Blainville provide fire protection instead.
Mayor Madeleine Leduc insists the move was both practical and economical, in part because the Rosemere fire department was only open part-time as opposed to Blainville’s 24/7 service.
The move would save the town $30 million over 20 years.
Many wanted to know why the town’s population wasn’t consulted on the matter.
Most firefighters were forced to remain outside because the council room couldn't accommodate more people.
Leduc denounced what she considers to be scare tactics from the laid-off firefighters.
The Blainville fire chief addressed the Rosemere population, and said that he could provide an 8.2 minute average response time.
“We wanted to prove to the mayor that we have the population on our side. We had over 6000 people sign a petition this weekend,” said Corey Lemm of the Rosemere Fire Department.
The petition was tabled.
