Ontario Investing to Protect More Firefighters
January 22, 2026
Funding will help fire services in Wilmot Township expand cancer prevention initiatives and improve safety for lithium-ion battery related emergencies
WILMOT — As part of its plan to protect Ontario and keep communities safe, the Ontario government is protecting firefighters in Wilmot Township by investing $49,560 through the Fire Protection Grant. The funding from this grant is helping municipal fire departments expand cancer prevention initiatives and improve emergency response to lithium-ion battery related incidents.
“Our Firefighters put their lives on the line to protect our community and they deserve the very best equipment to do their jobs safely.” said MPP Mike Harris, Kitchener-Conestoga. “The Fire Protection Grant is helping Wilmot invest in additional turnout gear so firefighters can stay protected, remain in service and continue responding when our community needs them most.”
This funding will support the Wilmot Fire Department by:
- Wilmot has purchased additional turnout gear for each station phased over three years
- The additional gear provides a second set while primary gear is being decontaminated or repaired
- This ensures firefighters can remain in service and ready to protect the community
“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 to the tools they need to stay safe and effectively respond to life threatening emergencies.”
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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“On behalf of the Wilmot Fire Department, I want to express our sincere gratitude to the provincial government for their generous financial support. This funding directly strengthens our ability to protect the community by ensuring our firefighters have the high‑quality equipment they need to stay safe, ready and in service. This generous grant will permit us to place 12 sets of turnout gear in each station over a 3-year period. We truly appreciate the province’s ongoing commitment to the safety and well‑being of our firefighters and the residents we proudly serve.”
- Rod Leeson, Fire Chief, Township of Wilmot
“Our firefighters step into dangerous situations so the rest of us don’t have to and it’s our responsibility to ensure they have the right equipment to keep them safe. Thank you to the Province of Ontario for this important investment, which helps keep our firefighters protected and ready to respond in an emergency.”
- Natasha Salonen, Mayor of the Township of Wilmot.