The Grey Highlands Fire Department is lending a surplus tanker truck to the Town of Shelburne.
At its meeting on July 19, council approved a staff report about the plan. On July 7, Grey Highlands took delivery of a brand new 2023 tanker trucker for the fire department. The department’s 2001 International tanker is now surplus and will be sold through public auction.
Shelburne has contacted Grey Highlands about the possibility of borrowing the surplus vehicle for a number of weeks while its tanker truck is being repaired.
“It’s the neighbourly thing to do,” said Fire Chief Marty Wellwood.
It is estimated that Shelburne will use the vehicle for four weeks while its truck is repaired.
Wellwood told council the two municipalities would work out an agreement that stipulates if there are any damages to the vehicle while being used, Shelburne would be responsible for the costs to repair the damage.
Staff also confirmed for council that in the event of the borrowed tanker being involved in an accident, the Grey Highlands auto insurance policy would still apply.
Wellwood also said it’s not expected the tanker will be used heavily during the period it is loaned to Shelburne. He said the tanker is a specialized fire department vehicle and not a dump truck.
“It’s going to be, hopefully, never used at all,” said the chief.
Council approved the report unanimously.
