The Makwa Sahgaiehcan First Nation and Village of Loon Lake have reached a deal regarding fire services.
Both sides say ties have been strengthened between the two communities with a tentative new fire services contract.
The first nation was in arrears with the Loon Lake Volunteer Fire Department, so the fire chief didn’t respond to a fatal fire that killed two children just over two weeks ago.
Moving forward, instead of paying a retainer, Makwa Sahgaiehcan will pay a yearly $5000 membership fee, and then be billed per fire call.
“It was a very positive meeting between the village, RM, and the council,” said Volunteer Fire Chief Larry Heon. “I think a lot of positive steps were taken. Chief [Richard] Ben also stated that it was a terrible tragedy and that it was nobody’s fault. It was an accident. It was sad that it happened, and I agreed with him.”
The fire board and Makwa band administration are still in the tentative contract stages as they work out the details.
However, funds are in place so if there were a fire today, Loon Lake would provide service.