Ontario Investing to Protect More Firefighters

March 5, 2026

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

INNISFIL — As part of its plan to protect Ontario and keep communities safe, the Ontario
government is protecting firefighters from the Innisfil Fire & Rescue Service by investing $86,000
through the Fire Protection Grant. The funding will help municipal fire departments expand cancer
prevention initiatives and improve emergency response to lithium-ion battery related incidents.

“Our province’s Fire Protection Grant funding is dedicated to protecting the health and safety of
our community firefighters. The funding is already being put to work to purchase critical equipment
that supports contamination reduction and cancer prevention, said Andrea Khanjin, MPP for
Barrie-Innisfil. “By investing in the tools our firefighters need, we are strengthening their safety,
enhancing operations, and ensuring they can continue protecting our communities effectively.”

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

“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.”

“We are so grateful to MPP Andrea Khanjin and the province of Ontario for a grant of nearly
$86,000 which was used to purchase equipment to not just help us do our jobs safely, but to
enhance firefighter health and safety,” said Innisfil Fire Chief Brent Thomas. “Some of the
equipment purchased through this grant included decontamination kits, new gloves and hoods,
and additional bunker gear.”

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.