Firefighters worried about losing hall

Mayor John Leefe says he is confident the department, in the end, won’t be adversely impacted, although it’s not his final decision.

David Payzant, Liverpool Fire Department Assistant Deputy Chief and Media Liaison, says the proposed change, which is at the committee level, is not needed and was prompted by complaints from one household, according to a survey.

However, he is pleased representatives from Region of Queens Municipal council and staff met with firefighters Nov. 18 to discuss their concerns.

“We don’t know if there are going to be any changes but I think it was a pretty constructive meeting. They definitely listened to our concerns and are going back to their committee. Hopefully, there will be some changes.”

He says after some warnings, they could potentially lose use of the fire hall, which would hurt other community groups, including the department’s auxiliary and junior fire department, that use the facility as well.

If a “punishment” is necessary, he says, a fine would be more than adequate.

He says they already keep music levels below the permitted decibel levels and frequently check them inside and outside during events.

Ironically, he adds the fire department spent $75,000 raised at such events to help alleviate the problem.

“We’ve had a problem for some time and approximately 10 years ago soundproofed the hall.”

However, the executive and members are worried about losing the revenue. “No one wants their taxes raised so anything we can do to raise money for ourselves I’m sure they’re (residents) in favour of.”

He adds the vast majority of the department’s neighbours support them and they are grateful the Region, by helping purchase trucks and some of their equipment, supports them as well.

Region of Queens Mayor John Leefe says he agrees the meeting, which he asked for when the draft policy was first brought before the Committee of the Whole, was beneficial.

Now, he says, “We’ve had an opportunity to hear what they have to say. They made some excellent points and we’ll be going to the Committee of the Whole to report what we’ve heard.”

He agrees the firefighters have done a lot to alleviate any problems, including what Deputy Chief Payzant states in addition to moving the stage area away from the Main Street wall.

He says the process is in its “very early stages. It was an excellent meeting and a reminder to all of us of how important it is to get together and work together to find a way through problems.

“I’m sure the Committee of the Whole will want to accommodate probably our most important volunteers in the Region of Queens. All volunteers are important but they’re (all county firefighters) probably the most important in terms of health and safety and we certainly wouldn’t want to negatively impact how they raise money for the important work they do. We enjoy a good relationship with volunteer firefighters in Queens and want to maintain that relationship with them.”