Written By David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
ADELAIDE METCALFE – The Township has secured $8,230 in provincial funding through the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Fire Protection Grant, aimed at enhancing firefighter safety. The announcement was made at the February 3rd council meeting, where Treasurer Johnny Pereira provided an overview of the grant and its intended use.
Pereira explained that the funding was obtained through a competitive application process focused on cancer prevention measures for volunteer firefighters. “The township continues to aggressively go after grants,” Pereira stated. “I am happy to share this evening that the township was successful in securing about $8,230 in funding from the province through the Ontario Fire Marshal Office.”
The funds will be used to purchase additional personal protective equipment (PPE) for the township’s volunteer firefighters, including bunker gear, gloves, and fire-resistant balaclavas. This aligns with provincial efforts to reduce firefighter exposure to harmful contaminants that have been linked to different types of cancer.
Mayor Sue Clarke expressed appreciation for the efforts of township staff and the fire department in securing the grant. “I just like to thank you and your team and Dan [Fire Chief Dan Parker] for collaborating to get this grant,” Clarke said. “I know, maybe to the public, $8,230 doesn’t seem like a lot of money, but every month, we seem to be able to secure a grant of some kind, and I really appreciate the team’s efforts.” She highlighted the financial relief grants provide to taxpayers while directly benefiting the community.
As part of the funding agreement, council approved a by-law authorizing the mayor and the clerk to execute the Ontario Transfer Payment Agreement related to the grant. Additionally, the Treasurer was delegated authority to sign required reports and documents for the funding program. The motion was moved by Councillor Arend Noordhof and seconded by Councillor Garett Kingma before being unanimously carried.
The funding must be committed by March 31, 2025, and fully spent by December 31, 2025, ensuring that resources are allocated promptly to enhance firefighter protection.
