The Ontario Government is investing $64,100 to help Fire Services in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, MPP Monte McNaughton announced this week. The funding will enhance fire safety training and support safety inspection programs to ensure compliance with the Ontario Fire Code. Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Monte McNaughton says “I am proud that our Government is continuing to support the men and women who volunteer and serve at our local fire stations. This investment will boost fire safety in Lambton-Kent-Middlesex with the technology and equipment needed to support training and fire inspections at these unprecedented times.”
The funding is part of a $5 million provincial investment to help municipal fire services respond to the local impacts of COVID-19 which created new risks and challenges for fire departments to conduct training and fire safety inspections. This one-time funding will enhance in-person and online educational instruction needs by increasing access to additional training.
It will also help deliver updates to specialized critical equipment, such as high-speed internet, to improve virtual training and enable remote options to support fire safety and compliance with Ontario’s Fire Code while minimizing exposure to the virus.
“Our government has listened to fire services across the province and recognizes the impact COVID-19 has had on their operations,” said Solicitor General Sylvia Jones. “This funding will enhance opportunities for training and support fire safety inspections needed to keep our communities safe. We are grateful to these brave, dedicated individuals for their commitment to protecting Ontarians as the fight against COVID-19 continues.”
Funding will be allocated as follows:
· Adelaide Metcalfe Fire Department $5,300
· Brooke Fire Rescue $5,100
· Lambton-Shores Fire and Emergency Services $7,200
· Lucan-Biddulph Fire Department $5,700
· Middlesex Centre Fire Service $8,800
· Newbury District Fire Department $4,700
· North Middlesex Fire Department $6,100
· Southwest Middlesex Fire Department $6,000
· Strathroy/Caradoc Fire Department $9,700
· Warwick Township Fire Department $5,500
