Beginning January 1st, there will be a change to fire protection involving Niverville and the Rural Municipality of Hanover.

Reeve Stan Toews says for decades there was an agreement that Niverville fire department would respond to some calls outside of town limits within the RM of Hanover. But, as part of a friendly annexation set to take effect January 1st between Niverville and Hanover, Hanover will then begin to offer fire protection to that area east, north and south of Niverville.

Hanover Fire Chief Paul Wiebe explains the area impacted by this change is land between Niverville and Highway 59, as well as land about one mile north of Niverville and then land south of Niverville down to Highway 52.

Toews says the agreement for Niverville to provide fire protection to parts of Hanover was signed prior to a hall opening in New Bothwell. The community of New Bothwell has had a fire hall for about 25 years. Hanover currently pays Niverville about $12,000 annually for fire protection. Wiebe says there should be a bit of a cost savings, noting in a typical year there are between 10 and 12 calls in that area. He notes Hanover is more than prepared to handle these extra calls.

"That service should be pretty much seamless," explains Wiebe. "We feel we can provide the same service that they have been receiving from the town of Niverville."

Wiebe acknowledges there are areas around Niverville where it will take New Bothwell fire department a few minutes longer to get to, than what it takes Niverville firefighters. However, he says they plan to still have an agreement where Niverville can be called in for assistance.

"We feel that if there is a major fire just outside of the town limits that Niverville fire would still be very much involved there," says Wiebe. "And of course we would just be paying them for their service that they provide on an hourly or daily rate."

According to Toews, this service change was suggested by Hanover but was agreed upon by both parties. And in fact, Wiebe says this is something New Bothwell fire department has been anticipating for quite some time.

"We've been upgrading our equipment and our staffing and as well as our training, which has been ongoing for many years," notes Wiebe. "We've been upgrading this in anticipation for this. So at this point we don't have to upgrade everything, it's already been done."

Wiebe adds Hanover fire halls have some of the best equipment around, with volunteer firefighters that are trained to the highest level.

"I don't want (Niverville) to see it as losing something but I want them to see it as they are gaining a great service," he says.