Superior North municipal leaders are hoping to have their voices heard when decisions are made about where consolidated EMS bases are located.
As Superior North EMS continues to implement their strategic plan, which calls for the closure and amalgamation of multiple regional bases, public consultations are scheduled for next month.
“I think there needs to be a lot more discussion between our communities and consultation with EMS,” Nipigon Mayor Suzanne Kukko said.
Kukko said there are several options to consider on where the EMS base could be located.
“It could be put in Red Rock, it could be put on the highway, it could be put in Nipigon, and there are pluses and minuses for everything,” Kukko said.
Red Rock Mayor Darquise Robinson works as a full-time paramedic alongside her municipal duties.
“Our position in Red Rock is we don’t want to pit Nipigon and Dorion and us against each other. All of us, we really have to work together,” said Robinson.
Robinson said Red Rock council wants the EMS base to be located where service can be most effective.
“I don’t think people understand that the Red Rock ambulance does service Nipigon and Dorion. They actually sometimes need to go to Schreiber and Terrace Bay and Beardmore. Recently, we’ve gone to Thunder Bay to respond to calls from Red Rock,” Robinson said.
“It’s not just having an ambulance in Red Rock or Nipigon. It’s what’s best for everybody in the surrounding area.”
Dorion Reeve Robert Beatty shared the same sentiment.
“Ultimately, it should be positioned for what’s good for all three communities and the best response capability. And that’s the end result, is that we get the best result for everybody,” said Beatty.
Beatty said he doesn't agree with service decisions being made by Thunder Bay city council, which approved the implementation of the master plan.
“We are a united front when it comes to the resource and we want to make sure we don’t lose any resource through this process,” said Beatty.
