The Township of Russell has approved the purchase of a new pumper/rescue fire truck for Station 12, located on South Russell Road.
The contract, awarded to Battleshield Industries Limited of Vars, is valued at $924,866.99, including the Township’s portion of the 1.76 per cent non-refundable HST.
The new multi-functional vehicle will replace two aging trucks currently in service—a 1999 rescue truck and a 1995 pumper—with a combined original cost of $1.6 million. The purchase is part of the Township’s Fire Master Plan, which emphasizes maximizing service life and consolidating firefighting apparatus.
Expedited procurement to avoid tariffs and delays
Although the Township’s procurement policy typically requires a competitive bidding process for purchases exceeding $110,000, staff invoked a “Special Circumstance – Urgency” clause to fast-track the process. The move was aimed at avoiding potential cost increases and maintaining operational readiness.
Delaying the purchase could have subjected the Township to a 25 per cent U.S. tariff on the truck’s chassis, potentially adding $50,000 to the price.
By piggybacking on a 2024 contract already used by Clarence-Rockland and The Nation, the Township can benefit from a pre-approved procurement framework and faster delivery. The fire truck is expected to arrive by November 2025—much earlier than the usual two-year timeline for custom vehicle orders.
Funding for the vehicle will be spread over two years, with $500,000 allocated in the 2025 capital budget and a further $500,000 projected for 2026. Once the new unit is operational, the Township plans to sell or trade in the outgoing vehicles to help offset costs.
Although the purchase was sole-sourced, staff confirmed it complies with municipal policy under the urgency clause. Legal counsel noted that broader trade agreements, such as the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) and the Ontario-Quebec Trade and Cooperation Agreement (OQTCA), require public procurement to be transparent and non-discriminatory. Council was advised to document its rationale in full to ensure accountability and maintain public trust.
Planning for future replacements
This acquisition is the first of several fire vehicle replacements expected over the next decade. A fleet summary included in the Township’s report highlights multiple vehicles approaching or exceeding their recommended service life, with projected capital investments totalling several million dollars.
With this purchase, the Township of Russell is reaffirming its commitment to strong fire protection, responsible long-term capital planning, and the goals outlined in its Strategic Plan.
Residents can follow updates on the project through the Township’s official website and social media channels.
