Paradise to vote on fire department

An eastern Newfoundland town is preparing to hold a plebiscite on whether or not to form its own $2 million fire department.

Right now, Paradise pays the City of St. John's for firefighting services, but some residentssay it takes too long for firefighters in St. John's to respond to calls in Paradise.

They want a new fire department regardless of the price tag.

"I'd have to say there's no cost on the life of a child or a family," said Paradise resident Norm King.

Paradise Mayor Ralph Wiseman said the fastest growing town in Atlantic Canada can't pay for a fire department without increasing taxes.

"It would put a very difficult strain on the finances of the town, if we are to keep up with the roads, water, sewer and recreational needs of the town," said Wiseman.

Resident Sheilagh Gallivan believes the town should have different priorities.

"I'm here 17 years, and I found out I'm number 32 on the list for water and sewer," she said. "So what I'd like to know is, if a fire truck had to come to my house, how would he get water to put out a fire?"

The mayor said residents will be given an opportunity to vote on the issue before the end of this year.