Heather Wright/The Independent

St. Clair Township will soon have a virtual reality simulator for fire training.

Council approved the system, which includes 12-foot high screen with surround sound to project various training simulations for $117,628.95. The township had set aside $130,000 for the project.

Volunteer fire departments across Ontario are pressing to meet new training standards by 2026. Fire Chief Richard Boyes sees the virtual reality unit as one way to make sure that happens.

In his report to council, Boyes said traditional firefighter training relies on “live exercises, which can be expensive, logistically challenging, and sometimes hazardous. VR offers a safer and more cost-effective alternative that allows firefighters to practice high-risk scenarios in a controlled setting.”

But Councillor Pat Brown questioned the need for the system, particularly since it is built in the US.

“Is there’s another option within Canada,” he asked adding the fire department should be “looking at making a cooperative effort to get this training.

“Why does St. Clair Township have to go out on their own… to get all the latest and greatest technology when I’m sure the other departments are all under the same training deadlines? …Why buy it just exclusively for our firefighters, when this is something we should be knocking on the (fire) college’s door to say, ‘this is the type of stuff you need?’”

Deputy Mayor Steve Miller defended the new training equipment.

“They got shot down at budget time for another request,” he said. Council turned down the department’s request for a full time training officer during budget. “And now we’re gonna shoot this down. I don’t think so. Not from my vote you’re not.

“It’s time to settle down and do what’s right.”

Council approved the virtual reality training in a 4-3 vote, with the tie broken by Mayor Jeff Agar.