MPP Dunlop Announces Ontario Investing to Protect More Firefighters

Funding will help fire services in Simcoe North expand cancer prevention initiatives and improve safety for lithium-ion battery related emergencies

SIMCOE NORTH — As part of its plan to protect Ontario and keep communities safe, the Ontario government is protecting firefighters in Simcoe North by investing over $329,000.00 through the Fire Protection Grant. The funding will help municipal fire departments expand cancer prevention initiatives and improve emergency response to lithium-ion battery related incidents.  

This funding is being locally allocated as follows:   

Midland - $19,626.05  

Orillia - $36,223.56  

Penetanguishene - $19,626.05  

Ramara - $52,821.07  

Severn - $48,000.00  

Tay - $69,418.58  

Tiny - $83,303.88  

This funding will support eligible projects including:  

• Equipment, supplies and personal protective equipment that enhance municipal cancer prevention initiatives 

• Equipment and supplies for lithium-ion battery incident response  

• Minor infrastructure upgrades and modernization, including enhanced broadband and internet connectivity  

“Today’s announcement to double the province’s investment in the Fire Protection Grant is a major step forward for the seven communities announced today, ensuring our local fire services have access to critical equipment and supplies that keep firefighters safe on the job,” said Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North. “This funding will directly support the purchase of modern, reliable gear that reduces risk and allows firefighters to respond more effectively and safely in emergency situations. Protecting those who put their lives on the line for us every day is essential, and this investment reinforces our commitment to firefighter safety and stronger, safer communities.”  

“Firefighters are always there when we need them, running towards danger to protect our homes and our communities,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “That is why we’re doubling this year’s Fire Protection Grant, giving even more firefighters across the province the tools they need to stay safe and effectively respond to life threatening emergencies.”  

“The Midland Fire Department is grateful for the Ontario Government’s continued commitment to firefighter health and safety. Funding provided through the 2025–2026 Fire Protection Grant will allow us to purchase particulate-blocking balaclavas, structural firefighting gloves, and specialized bunker gear extractor soap. These investments will help reduce firefighters’ exposure to harmful contaminants, support cancer prevention efforts, and enhance overall firefighter safety. We sincerely thank the Ontario Government for making firefighter safety a priority.” Richard Renaud, Fire Chief, Town of Midland. 

“The City of Orillia and the Orillia Fire Department would like to thank the Province and the Ministry of the Solicitor General for providing this important funding to help protect the health and safety of our fire fighters. This funding goes a long way in helping us provide the necessary personal protective equipment to help keep our fire fighters safer and healthier during and after incidents that they respond to.” Chris Ferry, Fire Chief, City of Orillia Fire Department. 

“We are grateful to the Province of Ontario and to MPP Dunlop for providing Penetanguishene Fire & Emergency Services with $19,626 through the Fire Protection Grant. This contribution will help us advance important safety initiatives for our firefighters, strengthen our work to reduce occupational cancer risks, and improve our readiness for newer, technology related emergencies. Support like this ensures our team can continue serving the community safely and effectively.” John Crawford, Interim Fire Chief, Town of Penetanguishene. 

“Provincial support through programs like the Fire Protection Grant allows small municipalities like Ramara to provide the highest level of protection for our frontline firefighters. This funding enables us to equip our crews with modern, protective equipment that reduces exposure to cancer-causing carcinogens, helping keep them safer both on the job and long after their service.” Tony Stong, General Manager of Emergency & Protective Services / Fire Chief, Ramara Township.    

“Every day, our firefighters put themselves in harm’s way to protect our community, and their safety must always be a top priority. The risks don’t end when a fire is extinguished — hazardous carcinogens can remain on bunker gear and protective equipment, creating ongoing health concerns in our stations and fire trucks. This funding will provide equipment to reduce exposure to these substances and the specialized tools needed to respond safely and effectively to the increasing number of lithium-ion battery incidents. Severn is grateful to the Government of Ontario for this important investment, which helps protect our team and ensures our firefighters have the equipment they need to respond to emergencies.” Robert Nagle, Deputy Fire Chief, Severn Fire and Emergency Services, Township of Severn   

“We welcome the province’s continued investment in firefighter safety. This funding helps us strengthen our readiness and reinforces our commitment to protecting both our team and the community.” Shawn Aymer - General Manager, Protective and Development Services Fire Chief/Community Emergency Management Coordinator, Tay Township  

“Tiny’s Fire Department is deeply committed to serving and protecting our community, which includes ensuring the health and safety of our firefighters remains a top priority. Thanks to the Province of Ontario’s Fire Protection Grant, we are able to purchase a variety of PPE to protect our team from the danger of cancer-causing carcinogens found at many of our calls. This is a welcome investment directed toward the safety of our firefighters and a valuable addition to our ongoing efforts to reduce firefighter exposure to safety hazards on the job.” Dave Flewelling, Director of Emergency Services/ Fire Chief, Tiny Township  

This year’s Fire Protection Grant will support all 380 municipal fire services in Ontario, helping the approximately 33,000 firefighters who protect Ontario and keep our communities safe.  

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Jacqueline Bayley
Executive Assistant to MPP Jill Dunlop
Jacqueline.bayley@pc.ola.org   
249-385-6244