Community members have come together to raise funds for a defibrillator station at the Port Sydney Beach and Boat Launch.
The funds for the project were made possible by the Port Sydney Firefighters Association, the Stephenson District Lions Club, Dean’s Home Hardware, and the Mary Lake Association. In total, the group has donated $12,000 to the Town of Huntsville for the initiative.
“Together, the Port Sydney Firefighter’s Association ($7,500), Stephenson District Lions Club ($3,000), Deans Home Hardware ($1,000), and Mary Lake Cottagers Association ($500) raised a total of $12,000. This donation would cover the cost of a new Save Station unit, an automated external defibrillator (AED), and installation,” according to Cameron Labonte, Manager of Aquatics for the Town of Huntsville, in a report to the Town’s General Committee meeting on March 25.
Labonte said the donation would have to be added to the Town’s capital replacement costs and spread out over a five-year period, at $2,295 per year, beginning in the 2027 budget. Both Deputy Mayor Dan Armour and Councillor Helena Renwick asked for further clarification on the cost. Labonte said the Save Station, where the AED would be contained and accessible year-round, costs $6,615 in today’s market, and the AED costs $2,295, for a total of $8,910 to be spread over five years at $1,782 per year. Renwick asked if there would be money left over from the donation. Labonte said it would be used for installation.
His report also indicated that there will be an operational cost associated with the AED, which, unlike the AED at Port Sydney Hall, which is locked unless the building is open for programming or a rental, will be accessible at all times.
“The AED would have a yearly estimated operating impact of $50 for monitoring and $200 every three (3) years to replace the pads and will be funded by the existing approved 2026 Budget. Save Station: The first four (4) years of monitoring are free. After four (4) years, the monitoring cost is $125 a year which could be funded by the tax levy and will be added to future operating budgets,” he stated.
The Town of Huntsville presently owns and maintains 13 AEDs, including one at the Algonquin Theatre’s front entrance. These devices are strategically placed in public locations to aid in the event of sudden cardiac arrest, noted Labonte.
Committee members voted to approve the donation. All General Committee decisions are ratified by council at the following meeting.
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Great work folks. Hope the very expensive storage unit can withstand the efforts of the vandals who seem to want to destroy for no reason. !
Hopefully. an information meeting is planned for folks with interest. While they are almost goof proof , speed is of the essence in heart issues .
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