Written By David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
KERWOOD - The Adelaide Metcalfe Fire Department has received a grant from Enbridge Gas Ontario through the Safe Community Project Zero program, which provides combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to communities across the province.
As part of this initiative, the department received 90 alarms to distribute to local households, supporting efforts to prevent fire and carbon monoxide-related deaths. The award followed a successful grant application submitted by the Township of Adelaide Metcalfe earlier this year.
Representatives from Enbridge Gas Ontario, the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council (FMPFSC), and the Adelaide Metcalfe Fire Department gathered at the Kerwood Fire Hall on Friday, October 31, to mark the occasion.
Megan Shannon, Advisor of Municipal and Stakeholder Engagement for Enbridge Gas, said the initiative reflects a shared commitment to public safety and community well-being. “At Enbridge Gas, we deeply value the role of first responders and the partnerships we have built with municipalities across Ontario. That is why we are proud to invest $450,000 this year in Safe Community Project Zero, a program we have supported for 17 years,” she said.
Since its inception, Safe Community Project Zero has distributed more than 115,000 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to Ontario homes. Shannon explained that the goal is to reduce residential fire and carbon monoxide deaths to zero by ensuring every home has working alarms. “Safety is not just a priority in our operations — it is a core value that guides how we engage with the communities where we operate,” she added.
Fire Chief Dan Parker thanked Enbridge Gas and the Fire Marshal’s Council for their ongoing support and used the event to highlight the importance of prevention and awareness. He demonstrated how faulty or overheated phone chargers can cause fires and reminded residents to check their alarms regularly.
Jamie Kovacs, Executive Director of the FMPFSC, also mentioned the importance of maintaining alarms and testing them monthly. He noted that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms typically have a life expectancy of about seven years — a fact that often surprises homeowners.
Mayor Sue Clarke also attended the event, emphasizing the township’s appreciation for receiving the grant. On display was Beepa 911, the fire safety mascot used in educational outreach to teach children about fire safety.
The donation comes ahead of Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week (Nov. 1–7), serving as a timely reminder of the vital role that early detection and prevention play in protecting Ontario families.
