Representatives from the City of Cornwall, South Stormont, North Stormont, South Glengarry, South Dundas and North Dundas were on hand for an announcement by Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry MPP Nolan Quinn of an investment of $385,000 in Fire Protection Grants to the fire departments in his riding. The monies will be used to expand cancer prevention initiatives and improve safety for lithium-ion battery related emergencies. Courtesy Photo

CORNWALL – On Mon., Jan. 5, the Ontario Government announced an investment of $385,000 in initiatives to protect firefighters in Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry. The investment, in the form of a Fire Protection Grant will help municipal fire departments purchase equipment and supplies for cancer prevention initiatives, equipment to address lithium-ion battery fires, as well as infrastructure upgrades and modernization.

The announcement was made by Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry MPP Nolan Quinn “Every day, our local firefighters put their lives on the line to protect our communities when it matters most,” said MPP Quinn. “Through this investment, our government is ensuring firefighters across Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry have the tools they need to keep our loved ones and themselves safe.”

The fire departments in Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry receiving the grant, and the amount they will receive is as follows:

  • City of Cornwall -$36,223
  • North Dundas – $81,993
  • North Stormont – $69,314
  • South Dundas – $50,000
  • South Glengarry – $83,000
  • South Stormont – $65,180

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

The grants being received this year are larger than in past years, but the money is well deserved. “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.”

Members of local fire departments and representatives from their respective municipalities who were on for the announcement were understandably pleased with the investment.

“The firefighters of North Stormont and I extend our sincere gratitude to the provincial government and the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM) for this important investment in cancer prevention,” said Nancy-Ann Gauthier, North Stormont Fire Chief. “This grant is a strong example of the support that helps us care for one another. We are a family protecting a bigger family – our communities – and this investment provides the tools, personal protective equipment (PPE) and gear we need to reduce cancer risks and return home safely to our loved ones.”

“With the support of the Government of Ontario, through the 2026 Fire Protection Grant, South Glengarry Fire Services will build on our investments in Cancer Prevention and specialized emergency response programs,” Dave Robertson, South Glengarry Fire Chief. “These investments in South Glengarry, and our region, will ensure that our firefighters continue to provide vital emergency response to our communities, and remain mentally and physically healthy while doing so.”

Jason Broad, Mayor of the Municipality of South Dundas echoed these sentiments. “We are extremely grateful to the Province of Ontario for the support provided through the Fire Protection Grant,” said Mayor Broad. “This funding allows our South Dundas Fire & Emergency Services to invest in vital equipment and resources that enhance firefighter safety and improve our community’s emergency response capabilities. Securing this grant reflects our ongoing commitment to protecting the residents, businesses, and first responders who make South Dundas such a great place to live and work.”

This year’s Fire Protection Grant will provide support for all 380 municipal fire services in Ontario, and the approximately 33,000 firefighters they employ.