Quinte Search and Rescue Unit Leader Paul Kerwin at Belleville city council, January 9, 2017. (Photo: Mary Thomas/Quinte News)
Quinte Search and Rescue is asking for Belleville’s support to upgrade one of its vessels.
Unit leader Paul Kerwin told city council last night the group wants to purchase a new $30,000, 18-foot boat similar to the fire rescue boat.
Kerwin said last year the group received a $60,000 donation from a donor who did not want to be identified. The group was able to buy two large motors for its vessels.
Last year the unit had the highest number of rescues on the water calls in the district from Kingston to Brighton.
He told council he hopes to be able to count on the city’s financial assistance in the future.
Councillor Jackie Denyes noted that the grant committee does not support capital projects.
Kerwin emphasized the rescue group members are all volunteers who undertake search and rescue operations in Quinte waters and sometimes on Lake Ontario.
Quinte Search and Rescue is an arm of the Canadian Coast Guard and trains with the Search and Rescue Squadron at CFB Trenton.
Council decided that the presentation and the services Quinte Search and Rescue provide be referred to staff.
