Ontario Investing to Protect More Firefighters

January 6, 2026

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

Dryden — As part of its plan to protect Ontario and keep communities safe, the Ontario government is protecting firefighters in Kenora- Rainy River by investing over $ 300,000 through the Fire Protection Grant. The funding listed below will help municipal fire departments expand cancer prevention initiatives and improve emergency response to lithium-ion battery-related incidents:

•Municipality of Alberton – $19,626.05
•Municipality of Chapple – $32,000
•City of Dryden – $34,517.57
•Township of Emo – $19,626.05
•Town of Fort Frances – $19,626.05
•Township of Ignace – $17,372.62
•City of Kenora – $52,821.07
•Municipality of La Vallee – $16,000
•Municipality of Machin – $13,300
•Township of Morley – $30,000
•Town of Rainy River – $48,000
•Sioux Narrows – Nestor Falls – $33,114.89

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

“This funding is a reflection of our commitment, fully and completely, to supporting the imperative work that firefighters do across one of the most vast regions of this province,” said Greg Rickford, Member of Provincial Parliament for Kenora-Rainy River. “Moving out of city and town centres, we have fire operations and services entirely driven by volunteers, and we are ensuring that throughout Kenora-Rainy River, first responders have the capacity and support for all the work that they do.”

“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.”

“Cancer remains the leading cause of firefighter deaths in Canada, accounting for nearly 85 per cent of line-of-duty fatalities. The Fire Protection Grant is a critical investment that will allow us to modernize our respiratory protection and decontamination systems, significantly reducing occupational cancer risks for our firefighters. Traumatic injuries, psychological trauma, and suicide continue to be significant contributors to lost-time injuries and long-term impacts within the fire service. Through the Mental Health Supports for Public Safety Personnel program, our firefighters will receive critical training to conduct Critical Incident Stress Management debriefings and strengthen peer support, ensuring no firefighter ever faces a traumatic event or mental health challenge alone. Our most valuable asset is our people, and I am grateful to the Province of Ontario for making this vital investment in firefighter cancer prevention and mental health.”
-Chief Chris Wood, Dryden Fire Service

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.