On Monday, January 26, North Glengarry Council was informed that the Fire Department had successfully obtained funding through the Ontario Fire Protection Grant, receiving more than $50,000 to purchase new firefighting bunker gear. North Glengarry Fire Chief Matthew Roy said the department was notified of the funding on December 22, 2025, and that the funds would be used to purchase additional sets of gear, including turnout coats and pants.
The total amount received through the grant was $52,821.
North Glengarry Mayor Jamie MacDonald said he was thankful the province was taking the initiative to support municipal firefighting units across Ontario. “It’s normally a big cost to us, but this alleviates some of the pressure,” MacDonald said.
Councillor Michael Madden asked Roy whether the grant was similar to last year’s funding, which was also used to purchase bunker gear.
Roy confirmed that through the grant, the North Glengarry Fire Department is working to ensure that all bunker gear is replaced within its usable lifetime, while also maintaining additional sets for when others are undergoing decontamination and cleaning.
“Our folks are never without a protective suit,” Roy said.
Roy also said that for the upcoming application cycle of the three-year program, the department plans to apply for funding that could be used for extractors, in-house laundry equipment for bunker gear, and other items classified as cancer-prevention measures under the Fire Protection Grant.
