Saint John is considering fees for a number of offences related to the usage of its fire services.
Council passed the first two readings of a bylaw Monday that would issue fees for fire trucks being dispatched to non-resident motor vehicle collisions, nuisance fire alarms at businesses, as well as for ‘thrill-seeking behaviour.’
City staff estimates the new fees would bring in roughly $90,000 annually.
Fire Chief Kevin Clifford says most of the new fees are not unique to the area, with the exception of the charge for thrill-seeking behaviour.
“We have to find ourselves in a dangerous (environment), whether it’s coming off Partridge Island or going off a cliff,” Clifford said.
Mayor Don Darling said he hopes there is no money earned through the non-resident accident charge, as he never wants to see a vehicle accident.
But he says the city’s hand was forced due to the city spending an estimated $12 million annually for non-resident use of the municipality.
“We’re working awfully hard to come together as a region,” he said. “That means working with our partners… We want to think and act as one big region thriving together, but it’s not equitable today.”
