The Nation municipality has approved two major sole-source procurements aimed at maintaining firefighter safety, ensuring operational readiness, and achieving long-term cost savings.
The decision was made during the regular council meeting held on Monday, January 26, following the presentation of a report from municipal administration outlining the need for a new fire apparatus and updated Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) equipment.
New pumper-rescue truck approved
Council authorized the sole-source purchase of one Pumper-Rescue fire apparatus from Battleshield Industries Limited at a total cost of $878,547.32, excluding HST.
The new vehicle will replace an aging 2002 pumper truck that has exceeded its recommended lifecycle and is now generating high annual repair costs.
According to industry standards cited in the report, the Fire Underwriters Survey recommends that frontline fire apparatus be used for 15 years, kept in reserve for five additional years, and retired after 20 years.
The municipality noted that supply chain disruptions have also significantly extended fire truck manufacturing timelines, with build times increasing from approximately 14 months before 2020 to as long as 20 to 36 months today.
Delivery of the new Pumper-Rescue unit is expected in February 2027.
Administration explained that Battleshield was selected in part because the company delivered a similar apparatus to The Nation in 2024, and ordering an identical second unit will reduce engineering costs, simplify integration, and speed up production.
The report also highlighted financial benefits, including a vendor loyalty incentive and frozen pricing at the September 2025 rate, resulting in a 15 per cent rebate and savings of more than $131,000.
SCBA replacement to enhance firefighter safety
Council also approved a sole-source procurement for new SCBA equipment from AJ Stone Company Ltd. (MSA Safety Canada).
The purchase includes 38 SCBA units, 90 cylinders, 80 facepieces, and 16 battery pack assemblies.
All required ancillary equipment
The total cost of the SCBA acquisition is $604,018, excluding HST.
The municipality’s current SCBA equipment was purchased in 2014 and is approaching the end of its 15-year service life, with parts becoming harder to source and maintenance costs increasing.
Fire officials stressed that SCBAs are essential for respiratory protection and that interact with neighbouring departments is critical during joint emergency responses.
By joining the Ottawa Fire Service’s existing procurement contract, The Nation expects to achieve an estimated 11 per cent savings and ensure long-term compatibility with partner services including Ottawa Fire, Clarence and Rockland Fire, and Russell Fire.
The report also warned that the manufacturer has advised of an upcoming 8 to 10 per cent price increase in January 2026. Securing current pricing through the Ottawa contract is expected to prevent an estimated cost escalation of 21 per cent, representing savings of approximately $126,800.
Planned investment with no impact on tax levy
Administration confirmed that both purchases are included in the Fire Service’s 10-year Capital Asset Management Plan and are supported through the municipal fire charge.
The land and equipment acquisitions are not expected to affect the 2026 tax levy, although an unbudgeted expense will be required for a Phase 1 environmental assessment prior to finalizing the land transaction.
The municipality also noted that resale market conditions for existing fire equipment could further reduce overall procurement costs.
Overall, the municipality estimates total savings of $258,631.83 through avoided price escalation, vendor incentives, and contract efficiencies.
Municipal officials say the investment reflects a continued commitment to frontline public safety while ensuring responsible long-term financial stewardship.
