The Muskoka Lakes Fire Department was cleared for more than $500,000 in new equipment during the latest round of council.
The new purchases were part of three separate contracts to buy a new tanker truck, two pickup trucks and a trailer.
The first contract was to North Gate Power Equipment in the amount of $34,644, and the Fire Chief was authorized to purchase a trailer in the amount of $4,800.
The second contract was awarded to Bourgeois Ford North in the amount of $149,011. The Fire Chief was authorized to execute the necessary documents to proceed with the purchase of two pick-up trucks for the Fire Department.
The third contract was awarded to Midwest Fire Apparatus in Luverne, Minnesota in the amount of $293,468 USD for a new tanker. The Fire Chief was also authorized to arrange to have the vehicle brought into Canada for the import and delivery fees up to $17,000.
Councillor Ruth Nishikawa said that she was under the impression staff would endeavour to make such purchases domestically in the interest of “buying Canadian”.
Fire Chief Ryan Murrell said they had only received one bid, which was from the American supplier, and he was not aware that they were trying to limit their purchases to Canada.
Mark Donaldson, Muskoka Lakes Director of Financial Services, said he was following the current procurement by law which does not stipulate the Township should purchase within Canada.
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