St. Paul council has approved $ 20,000 from the joint use fire reserve account to help the local fire department begin replacing bunker gear with new PFAS-free equipment.

The decision was made at the March 9 regular council meeting as the St. Paul Fire Department begins a multi-year plan to replace all current bunker gear over the next four years.

Administration said the department did not purchase new gear in 2025 in anticipation of the change and is now looking to begin the transition in 2026.

With $10,000 already included in the 2026 budget, plus $12,000 pledged by the St. Paul Firefighters Association, the added reserve funding is expected to allow the department to purchase nine sets of gear this year.

Councillor Roger Routhier asked for clarification on the firefighters’ contribution, noting it is money the association is raising itself.

“That’s themselves raising money,” he said. “I think that’s important to know that these guys are kind of getting those funds themselves, so kudos to what they do, but going above and beyond here.”

Administration said the joint use reserve currently sits at about $315,000 and is funded through emergency responses to fires and collisions on provincial highways.

Councillor Maurice Brousseau asked whether approval would also be needed from the County of St. Paul because it is a joint account. Administration confirmed the request will also go to the county.

Council approved the reserve transfer unanimously.

Gear replacement planned over four years

Administration said supplier quotes are currently being requested and the department hopes to have gear ordered by mid-March, partly because delivery times are running longer than 90 days.

Councillor David Fodness also asked whether future pricing could shift year to year, with administration confirming future costs will likely change as new quotes are sought annually.