Local Municipal Fire Departments to Receive $401,404 Through Ontario’s Fire Protection Grant Program

Province doubling funding available for program from $10 million to $20 million

BROCKVILLE — Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, joined local fire chiefs and mayors today to announce fire departments in Leeds and Grenville will receive $401,404 through Ontario’s Fire Protection Grant program.

This year, the government has doubled Fire Protection Grant funding available to municipal fire departments through the Ministry of the Solicitor General from $10 million to $20 million. This application-based grant provides municipal fire services with funding to purchase equipment and supplies for cancer prevention initiatives, equipment to address lithium-ion battery fires, as well as infrastructure upgrades and modernization.

“The health and safety of the brave men and women of our local fire departments, who run toward danger when responding to emergencies and protecting our communities, is a top priority for me and our government,” said MPP Clark. “When I met with local fire chiefs earlier this year, they told me Fire Protection Grant funding is vital to provide firefighters with the equipment they need. I was proud to advocate on their behalf. I’m so pleased we have doubled funding for this program so I can deliver on my commitment to local fire chiefs.”

“Brockville Fire Department expresses its sincere appreciation for the provincial government’s continued support through the Fire Protection Grant. The government’s investment in cancer-prevention PPE and decontamination equipment represents a significant advancement in our efforts to enhance firefighter safety. We gratefully acknowledge the province’s commitment and recognition in this second phase of the grant program,” said Chief Melanie Jones, Brockville Fire Department.

Funding for each local municipal fire department, along with a description of the project being funded, is as follows:

FIRE DEPARTMENT PROJECT SUMMARY FUNDING:

“On behalf of Merrickville Fire Department, I want to thank the province for this critical funding opportunity. This grant allows us to invest in equipment and safeguards that directly impact our firefighters by reducing their risk of occupational cancer. Protecting those who protect our communities is something we take very seriously, and this provincial support strengthens our ability to do that,” said Chief Brad Cole, Merrickville Fire Department.

“The Rideau Lakes Fire Rescue is very grateful to be a recipient of the Fire Protection Grant. This funding will enable us to acquire much-needed equipment that supports cancer-prevention measures for our firefighters,” said Chief Gene Richardson, Rideau Lakes Fire Department.

“I would like to thank the Provincial Government for its continued support of the Ontario Fire Service. This support is especially vital for small municipalities that may not have the same resources as larger, urban communities. The Fire Protection Grant has benefited Augusta Fire Rescue in two key areas: • Enhancing our ability to respond to incidents involving lithium-ion batteries through improved equipment, and • Providing essential equipment, supplies, and PPE to support cancer prevention for our firefighters. There is nothing more important than ensuring our firefighters return home safely each day and enjoy long, healthy lives with their families,” said Chief Rob Bowman, Augusta Fire Department.

“Everyone in the Fire Service appreciates the provincial government’s commitment to protecting our firefighters and making the funds available to work towards that goal,” said Chief Jeff Sargent, Elizabethtown-Kitley Fire Department