Maria Canton
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Feb 14/00) - More than 154 emergency services dispatch shifts were filled by firefighters last year.

The result was complete dispatch coverage 24 hours a day, seven days a week -- something that may not be possible if the emergency services dispatch department moves to a new communication centre at the RCMP detachment, according to the director of emergency services in Iqaluit.

"The major concerns we have are operational, which involves covering shifts for dispatchers," says Neville Wheaton.

And as Wheaton battles the nagging problem of being short-staffed, renovations are complete on a room at the RCMP detachment that will accommodate $360,000 worth of state-of-the-art communication equipment being purchased with money from the federal government.

The police want dispatch services to move to the detachment, but Wheaton says he doesn't see the benefits in moving.

"My concern is with full-time shifts," he said.

"We can hire another person to fill a supervisor position to deal with the day-to-day administration work if dispatch moves, but that will come at a cost to the municipality.

"There are two advantages to moving -- computer-assisted dispatch software and a new tape machine."

However, the tape machine, which can cost between $25,000 and $35,000, is still in the town's budget -- set to be finalized this week.

"Both of those things are in this year's budget and they've been in for years because of the five-year plan," said Wheaton.

"We've allocated $65,000 to upgrade our dispatch centre and this is not in reaction to the RCMP's suggestion that we move, it's been there all along."

Inspector Dan Fudge, however, says there is no need for two tape machines in the community and although the RCMP is happy with the current dispatch service, they intend to use their new facility.

"We intend to use (the communication centre) as a dispatch centre and yes, there is the possibility we may opt out of the contract," said Fudge.

The contract Fudge is speaking of is between the town and public works and Government Services Canada, the department under which the RCMP falls.

Signed in October 1999, municipal emergency services is contracted to provide emergency coverage for Iqaluit full time and 23 other Nunavut detachments after hours.

"As for the (dispatch) service, we are reasonably happy, but we have questions about the equipment (at the fire department)," said Fudge.

"And there are certain things we would like to see included in the service, like CPIC (Canadian Police Information Centre)."

Presently, a letter to the RCMP is being drafted under the mayor's signature. The letter will outline concerns of funding and filling in for dispatchers.