Fernie City Council has rejected a motion that would set the maximum total capital cost for the proposed firehall at $12 million.
Councillor Harsh Ramadass brought forward the motion saying the new building should be designed to be under that price even if that means losing some amenities.
“I just thought that would be a good benchmark to aim for, knowing that it is a critical infrastructure project we are committed to,” he said.
Councillor Tracey Audia Kelly agreed and said the city should be looking at a utilitarian option that just covers the basics.
“Utilitarian in my world means needs not wants,” she added.
“I’d like to drive a Mozzaroti but I can afford a Ford and the Ford is going to do all the things I need it to do.”
Mayor Nic Milligan was concerned that the city would be handcuffing itself by setting a maximum amount at this stage before they know if a basic firehall is feasible under that cost.
“I would feel we are doing a disservice to our firefighters who were not only living in unhealthy conditions but they work every day in unhealthy conditions. I want to provide them with a healthy, affordable option that this community can support,” he said.
“I don’t feel like I have enough information to provide these kinds of strict guardrails at this juncture. I need to know more.”
He said the city will eventually need to bite the bullet on this project even though it may be costly.
“As a community, we have kicked this problem down the road since 1979,” he added.
“We could have done it for $5 million or $7 million but the opportunity keeps getting lost and the price tag keeps getting bigger.”
It was a tie vote as Councillor Kevin McIsaac wasn’t in attendance.
Mayor Milligan and councillors Kyle Hamilton and Troy Nixon voted against while Audia Kelly, Ted Shoesmith and Harsh Ramadass were for the motion.
Since it was a tie the motion was defeated.
The last update to the firehall replacement project was back in January when a portion of Prentice Park at 1500 5th Avenue was selected as the new location.
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