GAINSBOROUGH - The Gainsborough and Carievale Fire Departments were once on their own, carrying their own names, but in 2021 they became the Argyle Fire Department.
These two communities go way back in history. To this day they both have fire halls.
In 2016, the two fire departments each received a new fire truck, but they kept their 1977 fire trucks in working condition.
The departments are now considered one, yet each town still has an active fire hall. The communities are 15 kilometres apart.
The R.M. of Argyle surrounds Gainsborough and Carievale and they have 26 members on their call list.
Kingston Midstream gave them a grant in 2021 for upgrades to the Carievale Fire Hall, which replaced the doors and windows.
On Nov. 23 at the Carievale Christmas tree lighting, the announcement was made that Gainsborough would receive a grant for $22,000 to upgrade the fire hall.
The grant came from the Farm Credit Canada (FCC) Ag Spirit Fund. To qualify for this grant, it had to be a rural area. The funds will be used to upgrade the windows and doors and complete any maintenance that is needed.
R.M. of Argyle Reeve John Ryckman had a few comments at the tree lighting, thanking the FCC and all the members of the fire department.
Santa Claus also made his presence at the festive occasion, travelling around on the Carievale fire truck.
Kids were excited to see him while he handed out treats to the children and, of course, asked them what they would like for Christmas.
The Argyle department responds to five to 20 calls in any given year. According to Capt. Jared Phair, it can all depend on the dryness of the season.
At present Jace Brown is the fire chief, and his deputy chiefs are Brad Wang and Brad Meyers.
Together they are thankful for the grant so they can apply the much-needed upgrades to the fire hall.
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