Money set aside to support the mental health and well-being of Northern Rockies firefighters will now be protected for future use through a new municipal reserve fund.
Northern Rockies Regional Municipality council gave three readings to Bylaw No. 247 at Wednesday’s regular council meeting, creating the IAFF Mental Health & Wellness Reserve Fund.
The fund formalizes an existing program between the municipality and IAFF Local 2782, which represents local firefighters.
Under the arrangement, money allocated each year for firefighter mental health and wellness initiatives that is not spent by the end of the fiscal year will be transferred into the reserve rather than returned to general revenue.
The bylaw states the reserve, including any interest earned on the balance, can only be used for eligible expenses under the IAFF Mental Health and Wellness Program.
Council has set a $40,000 maximum for the fund.
The reserve is tied to a memorandum of understanding included in the IAFF collective agreement and is intended to provide long-term funding for psychological health services, peer support and wellness programs tailored to first responders.
The bylaw will take effect once it receives final adoption from Mayor Rob Fraser and council.
