Municipal fire departments in Peterborough and surrounding communities are receiving a boost in safety funding as the Ontario government doubles the Fire Protection Grant this year. Local services will receive a total of $316,565 from the $20 million provincial investment to purchase life-saving equipment, enhance cancer prevention initiatives, and improve responses to lithium-ion battery incidents.
Dave Smith, MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha, said, “Our firefighters are always there when we need them, running towards danger to protect our homes and our families. By doubling this year’s Fire Protection Grant, we are ensuring our local heroes have the specialized equipment and training they need to stay safe on the job and return home healthy to their families.”
The grant is application-based and helps municipal fire services tackle modern safety challenges. Funding for this year will benefit several local fire departments, including:
Selwyn: $82,225 for advanced decontamination and PFAS-free gear. Fire Chief Gord Jopling said, “Protecting the health of our firefighters is one of our highest priorities. This funding enables us to invest in equipment that directly supports cancer prevention and ensures our crews health and safety is protected.”
Douro-Dummer: $68,141 for station air quality improvements and specialized hose care. Fire Chief Chuck Pedersen said, “As we are experiencing the loss of a firefighter brother from a workplace related cancer, the Government of Ontario’s financial support to reduce exposure to cancer-causing carcinogens really hits home for us. Thank you for your support of this essential investment in firefighter health and safety.”
Trent Lakes: $65,780 for station modernization and SCBA care. Fire Chief Steve Brockbank said, “Trent Lakes Fire Rescue would like to thank the Ontario Government as well as the Honourable Michael Kerzner, Solicitor General for their continued support and commitment to the health and safety of our fire service. TLFR has received a grant for the generous amount of $65,780 that will go towards Firefighter Safety and Cancer mitigation measures, secondly, thank you to M.P.P Smith for his involvement and support of our Firefighters health and wellbeing. With the implementation of this grant, we are able to ensure our Firefighters are better protected while serving our community.”
Peterborough: $50,000 for fire blankets and individual face pieces to respond to lithium-ion battery fires.
Havelock-Belmont-Methuen: $31,883 for portable gear drying systems using “ram air” dryers to prevent mold and ensure gear is ready for the next call.
North Kawartha: $18,536 for decontamination packs that allow firefighters to scrub down at the scene before returning to the truck. Mayor Carolyn Amyotte said, “The North Kawartha Fire Department appreciates the support provided through the Fire Protection Grant, which helps offset the cost of critical protective equipment. The new bunker gear will enhance firefighter safety and ensure our Fire Department continues to meet current safety standards.”
The 2025-26 grant cycle focuses on three key areas: cancer prevention, lithium-ion battery response, and infrastructure modernization, including high-speed broadband for rural fire halls. The funding increase follows Ontario’s Working for Workers Six Act, 2024, which lowered the service requirement for primary-site kidney cancer coverage for firefighters to 10 years—the lowest threshold in Canada.
Peterborough Fire Services Chief Chris Snetsinger said, “This investment is a significant step forward in protecting the health and safety of our firefighters. Firefighting is a demanding profession that carries real and lasting health and safety risks. This support recognizes the importance of doing everything we can to reduce those risks. Whether that’s limiting exposure to contaminants or improving protective equipment, investments in firefighter safety are investments in the well-being of our entire community.”
