LONGUEUIL – Public consultations on the closure of Saint-Lambert’s local fire station took place at Longueuil City Hall Wednesday night.
Despite opposition from Saint-Lambert’s mayor and some residents, no one showed up.
Consultations lasted about seven minutes as nobody was there to ask questions.
Global News spoke to the mayor by phone on Wednesday night.
He was at a conference in Québec City, along with other city councillors.
Alain Dépatie said he’s been fighting to keep the station for a year, but now is at a loss.
READ MORE: Saint-Lambert to lose its last-standing fire station
He was the only one out of five in the agglomeration to vote against the move to close the station a few months ago.
Longueuil’s fire department, who is responsible for the agglomeration, said the move was necessary to cover underserved territory, such as Old Longueuil.
“We’re making a lot of investments to make sure we take care of the safety of all citizens,” said Daniel Lemonde, assistant director of Longueuil’s fire department.
“We are investing in the building of the two stations. We’re investing also in the replacement of fire truck equipment. It means we’re taking care of citizens.”
Lemonde added people shouldn’t notice a different when the fire station closes because services will remain the same.
He also said the fire coverage plan was approved by the government to ensure optimal response time.
The new fire station will be located at the edge of Longueuil and Saint-Lambert, a few minutes away from the current station.
It is set to open in 2017.
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