TANCOOK ISLANDS - The results are in and residents on Big and Little Tancook islands want a fire service of their own.

 Currently, Chester municipality responds to 911 fire calls on the islands because there is no service on either of the islands.

 However, the Chester department does not recoup any of its expenses for responding to calls because their area rate is collected by the Municipality of Chester and the Tancook islands are within the Municipality of Lunenburg.

 In an attempt to resolve the issue, the Municipality of Lunenburg sent out 177 questionnaires to property owners on the islands.

 Municipal clerk April Whynot-Lohnes reported at a committee of the whole meeting on February 4 that about less than half of the completed surveys were returned (46 per cent). She said of the 89 surveys returned, 40 were full-time residents, 31 were seasonal and 10 were landowners only.

 About 80 per cent of those surveys returned wanted a fire service and about 62 per cent felt the services should be on the island, not the mainland. However, only 57 per cent wanted to pay a fire tax rate.

 Councillor Eric Hustvedt suggested a committee be formed by local residents to look into the issue. Some of the issues noted at the council meeting included the willingness of volunteers, training and insurance.

 "I believe all of this is worth looking into," said Councillor Hustvedt.

 Councillor Frank Fawson agreed. He added the committee should be prompted by islanders.

 "I would like to see it driven by the people who live on the island," said Councillor Fawson.

 Chief administrative officer Tammy Wilson suggested the fire services committee be directed to explore a fire service with the Tancook islands residents. That motion was moved by Councillor Basil Oickle. It was approved.

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posted on 02/09/10