The Editor,
Re. “Ignite-ing a possible firefighting passion” (The Tri-City News, Aug 10).
Port Moody Fire Chief Ron Coulson presents a progressive, inclusive image in this (annual) article that may not be supported by his facilities.
In May 2012, I attended a public open house for the proposed plans for the new Inlet Centre fire hall.
I noticed that the plan for the second floor showed “dorms” for males and, presumably, any females.
The sleeping cubicles were shown to be doorless.
I communicated this situation to Mayor Mike Clay. I received a curt reply from (if I recall correctly) a deputy fire chief advising that any female firefighters would use the “officer dorm” (two provided).
Of course, this “promotion” of female staff to use the officer dorm might engender resentment in the male staff.
A year or so later, I attended the fire hall’s grand opening, where I confirmed that the new hall had been built with a common dorm, as per original plan.
Next year, when The Tri-City News is approached by PoMo Fire-Rescue to cover its Ignite candidates, you should ask to photograph them in the female dorm room to see the response.
Derek Wilson, Port Moody
