On Wednesday, January 29, North Glengarry council received confirmation that the North Glengarry Fire Department (NGFD) was successful in its application for the Ontario Fire Protection Grant (OFPG). The amount awarded totals $24,691 and will be used to purchase needed equipment for firefighters.
The OFPG was introduced as part of the 2024 provincial budget and is designed to support municipal fire departments across Ontario with cancer prevention efforts. The province has allocated $10,000,000 of its budget annually over the next three years for this program.
Fire Chief Matthew Roy explained that the application was originally submitted in September 2024, with final confirmation being presented on December 19, 2024. He also stated that the funds must be committed to purchasing the equipment prior to March 31, 2025.
“The amount of $24,691 will be used to support the purchase of eight additional sets of bunker gear, which will include turnout coat and pants.”
Roy informed council that the cost of bunker gear had increased significantly over recent years and that it has prevented the department from purchasing more kits.
“Anything above the awarded amount will be absorbed in the 2025 Fire Department Operating Budget,” he concluded.
Council was notified that it should take approximately 12 weeks to receive the new gear.
