Ontario Invests in Firefighter Safety

January 15, 2026

DUFFERIN-CALEDON – Fire departments across Dufferin-Caledon will benefit from Ontario’s expanded Fire Protection Grant, which has doubled from $10 million to $20 million this year. This investment strengthens local fire services by enhancing cancer prevention measures for firefighters and improving emergency-response capabilities for lithium-ion battery-related incidents.

“Our firefighters face new and evolving risks, and our government is committed to giving them the tools they need to stay safe,” said Sylvia Jones, MPP for Dufferin-Caledon. “This expanded funding ensures fire departments across Dufferin-Caledon are better protected, prepared and equipped to respond to emergencies.”

This year, several fire departments across Dufferin-Caledon will receive targeted investments, including:

  • Town of Caledon – Purchasing and installing a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) air compressor and filling station to support clean-air operations.
  • Rosemont District Fire Department – Installing a Circul-Air Toro-Decon SCBA, personal protective equipment (PPE) & and Hardgoods decontamination unit to reduce carcinogen exposure.
  • Orangeville Fire Services – Purchasing 40 sets of extrication coats, pants, and belts for use during technical rescue operations, reducing reliance on heavier gear and lowering contamination risks.
  • Shelburne Fire Department – Purchasing a hose washer and 10 sets of flame-fighter turnout gear to support safer decontamination practices.
  • Mulmur/Melancthon Fire Department – Purchasing 30 new SCBA facepieces and storage bags and completing minor hall renovations to install a dedicated cleaning station to improve decontamination procedures.
  • Grand Valley Fire Department – Relocating existing and new PPE extractors to a suitable location in the fire hall, with required structural, plumbing and electrical work, followed by the installation of a new extraction unit to enhance cancer-prevention protocols.

Dufferin-Caledon’s fire services play a vital role in protecting our communities. This investment ensures local departments can upgrade critical equipment and infrastructure and respond safely to emerging hazards, reducing long-term health risks for firefighters.