Fate of fire truck, deposit in limbo

The Town of Erin’s $427,000 fire rescue truck is in limbo since the company making it is not currently operating.

Asphodel Fire Trucks Ltd. in Norwood, Ontario, had its property and building seized by a bailiff in November, according to the Peterborough Examiner.

Erin ordered and put a $118,650 deposit down for a custom dual-purpose pumper/rescue vehicle to replace a 1985 pumper at the Erin station.

Council approved the purchase after considerable discussion in November 2016.

The town has not received the truck.

“We have been advised that Asphodel Fire Trucks Ltd. is not closed, but they are currently in the process of refinancing after experiencing an issue with one or more creditors,” said Erin communications officer Jessica Spina.

“Asphodel is expected to be back to normal operations shortly.”

Spina added, “Despite the foregoing, council has been made aware of the challenges relating to Asphodel, and the Town of Erin is currently assessing all available options with our legal counsel.”

The phone number of Asphodel Fire Trucks Ltd is out of service and emails to the president Jeff McNiece were not answered by press time.