The Ontario government is investing $20 million to enhance firefighter health and safety across the province, with funding aimed at cancer prevention, improved protective equipment, and stronger emergency response to lithium-ion battery-related incidents.
The funding is being distributed through the Fire Protection Grant, which is supporting 380 municipalities across Ontario — including all eight municipalities in Durham Region.
In Durham, the Town of Whitby will receive over $86,000 to purchase 26 new sets of firefighter protective gear, which will be manufactured locally in Toronto. Town officials say the investment will help protect firefighters from long-term health risks associated with their work.
“The safety of our firefighters and our community is always our top priority,” said Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy. “This provincial funding ensures our firefighters have access to high-quality equipment that supports both their immediate safety and long-term health.”
Other Durham Region municipalities receiving funding include:
- Oshawa: $102,613
- Clarington: $86,026
- Pickering: $60,000
- Ajax: $52,581
- Brock: $41,247
- Scugog: $32,000
- Uxbridge: $18,000
Across Ontario, some of the largest grants were awarded to major cities, including:
- Toronto: $1,397,219
- Ottawa: $740,025
- Hamilton: $416,000
- Mississauga: $368,173
- Kawartha Lakes: $303,460
The province says the funding will help modernize fire services, reduce occupational cancer risks, and improve preparedness for emerging fire hazards linked to battery-powered devices.
Photo Credits : Insauga
