Hopefully, tentative peace will turn into long-term agreement with Magnetawan firefighters

May 07, 2008

To the Editor:

I understand that a meeting yesterday, the 2nd of May, tentatively resolved the crisis and standoff between the Magnetawan Fire Department and the Magnetawan Municipal Council. This crisis was reported by Rob Learn in your 30 April edition, and I am told—by persons who attended the Magnetawan Council meetings—that Rob’s reporting was factual and fair.

The purpose of this letter is to make two points:

First, I want to commend the Magnetawan Fire Department for its skillful handling of its volunteer community responsibilities.

I have observed firsthand their work in connection with rescue. When my brother-in-law had a heart attack in our home they were there in record time and, in my opinion, saved his life. Then too I watched as the firemen battled the destructive fire at the home of Hank Devries on Chapman Drive. In both of the above noted cases the level of professionalism was clearly above reproach.

I could write paragraphs on this: let me try to say in one sentence what I could write pages about. What clear dedication and superb response from committed community people who care deeply about the citizens of the Municipality of Magnetawan.

I am not — of course — privy to the details which precipitated the conflict between the Council of the Municipality of Magnetawan and the Magnetawan Fire Department. I do know that conflicts between people or organizations can only be resolved if there is willingness — by both sides — to prioritize concerns and to then address those concerns with honesty and integrity. In the case of the conflict noted above the primary concern has to be the welfare and protection of the citizens of the Municipality of Magnetawan.

I am grateful that the persons who met on Friday afternoon the 2nd of May recognized this primary concern and arrived at a tentative agreement. Those persons were the Fire Marshall from North Bay, the leadership of the Magnetawan Fire Department, the Mayor of the Municipality of Magnetawan and his deputy. My sincere appreciation to each of these persons: and my equally sincere hope is that a permanent solution can be realized.

Walter Winger
Magnetawan