Moncton City Council has approved the nearly $2 million emergency purchase of a new fire engine and a used ladder truck.

Councillors voted overwhelmingly in favour of the move during this week’s Committee of the Whole meeting.

While commending the work of firefighters, Ward 3 councillor Bryan Butler expressed his disappointment over the aging fleet of vehicles.

“I don’t know how we could explain this to the citizens of Moncton, that we as council have a fire truck on its way to a fire and is breaking down on the side of the road and has to get towed,” noted Butler.

City staff reported that several vehicles have been out of service in 2023.

Financial services general manager Jacques Doucet told council it has been more difficult to source parts for fire vehicles given the pandemic-related supply chain issues.

“I think we would be able to continue as is for three years… limping along. We would be able to meet our service levels in terms of having the equipment available, but there is a risk,” said Doucet.

City staff recently went to market for three new ladder trucks at a cost of $2 million each but the expected delivery is in three years (2026) due to the impact of the pandemic.