White Lake Cottagers lament loss of fire boat
Isolated and worried cottagers on White Lake, south of Arnprior, have been told they are responsible for their own safety after a municipal fire boat was pulled from service.
The concerns began last summer when the 16-foot aluminum fire boat operated by the Township of Lanark Highlands volunteer fire department swamped in a storm.
The craft, along with its pumps and fire hoses, was quickly recovered. But Township council has been told other municipalities do not provide fire boat services because of cost and liability issues.
That leaves at least a couple of dozen cottages and homes on islands and the White Lake shoreline with difficult or no road access on their own in the event of a fire.
Cannon and an Ontario Fire Marshal’s office official met with members of the White Lake Property Owners Association in July. Cannon explained it is up to council to decide what level of fire service the township offers.
The association executive is now seeking direction from members on whether they want to formally take the issue to township council.