The remote and winding roads of cottage country can often be a problem in a fire emergency, but in the Township of Muskoka Lakes there is a new piece of gear that could be a game changer.
The fire department has its own utility terrain vehicle.
“Not only will it go on ice, snow, mud, rock, but it will also go on water and float,” said Deputy Chief Harry Baranik.
The vehicle can carry up to six people on land and about four on water.
“We’re looking at the ability to save lives – that was the whole idea and all year round,” said Baranik.
The vehicle will help get emergency crews to more places faster – even isolated areas and getting into the water won’t be a problem either.
The UTV can get to more places than sleds or ATVs and can also transport people in need of help.
The terrain vehicles top speed is 30 km/h and it is versatile, especially when its tracks are on.
The residents of Milford Bay and Beaumaris paid the UTV which cost $30, 000.
So far, five members of the fire department have been trained and are ready to use the new own utility terrain vehicle.
