TOWNSHIP OF ESQUIMALT STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: July 14, 2025 Report No. FIRE-25-005
TO: Council
FROM: Matt Furlot, Fire Chief
SUBJECT: Sale of Heavy Rescue and Purchase of Light Rescue Apparatus
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council approve the right-sized procurement of a Light Rescue apparatus from Fort Garry Fire Trucks, not to exceed $350,000 inclusive of fees and taxes, and authorize the consignment sale of the 2021 Heavy Rescue truck, contingent on achieving a minimum proceed value of $600,000, as described in Staff Report FIRE-25-005.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Esquimalt Fire Rescue Services (EFRS) has completed a thorough internal needs assessment that determined the current Heavy Rescue unit is oversized and not well-suited to the Township's operational profile. A Light Rescue apparatus would provide the necessary capabilities in a more efficient, maneuverable, and cost-effective platform.
Normally, this type of replacement would follow a longer-term capital planning and procurement process, including updates to the 5-Year Financial Plan and issuing a formal RFP. The typical timeline for delivery of a new build is 24 to 30 months, with expected costs in the $350,000 - $400,000 range for a Light Rescue and $1.3 million for a new Heavy Rescue.
However, during this review process, staff identified a unique opportunity: a lightly used 2024 Light Rescue apparatus available through Fort Garry Fire Trucks for $300,000, with delivery in 10 weeks. The vehicle meets all operational requirements and is backed by full warranties.
Fort Garry is able to consign the 2021 Heavy Rescue, with a target sale price of $675,000, allowing for a timely, cost-neutral transition. This approach preserves asset value, improves operational fit, and avoids unnecessary capital costs and delays.
BACKGROUND:
In 2021, EFRS added a Heavy Rescue truck to its front-line fleet. While the apparatus has served reliably, a 2025 review by a cross-functional committee (i...
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