Town buys hybrid fire truck
By Chris Simon

Fire prevention plans just got revved up in Innisfil.

Town council approved a plan to purchase a nearly $33,000 white Ford Escape Hybrid, for use as a fire prevention vehicle, during a meeting last week. However, some councillors worried the vehicle may have battery and other problems. Hybrid vehicles are relatively new technology, and may not have been adequately tested, said councillor Peter Kmet.

"Are we getting ourselves into a can of worms here, getting a new product?" He said.

The vehicle is being purchased for environmental purposes. However, no significant maintenance costs are expected on the vehicle over the next few years, said community services director George Shaparew.

"We're not anticipating any increase in costs in the short term. We look at this vehicle as an energy saving medium," he said. "We will report back to council and see if there are any adverse affects to maintenance and quality issues."

Shaparew says the hybrid will save the town significant fuel costs.