Last October, the provincial government launched the Fire Protection Grant program, designed to distribute $5 million to support fire protection and emergency response initiatives across the province. In the final analysis, the government ended up nearly doubling the fund, selecting more than $9 million in projects.
On February 25, Springfield-Ritchot MLA Ron Schuler, also Minister of Infrastructure, announced a combined $360,000 for local projects.
“These important investments demonstrate our government’s commitment to enhancing public safety,” says Schuler. “The investments made to the Town of Niverville and RM of Ritchot will strengthen these communities for generations to come.”
The largest investment will be a new 1,500-gallon tanker truck and portable tank for the RM of Ritchot’s fire department, valued at $304,950. Ritchot will also be able to purchase gear extractors worth $16,200.
Ritchot Mayor Chris Ewen is particular excited about the municipality’s new tanker truck.
“We are always happy to partner with the province,” says Mayor Ewen. “This exciting investment will have a lasting impact for our community.”
Meanwhile, the Town of Niverville has been granted three grants: for seven sets of turnout gear ($17,150), nozzles and appliances ($15,570), and an extractor for turnout gear ($8,650).
An extractor is an essential machine used by firefighters to extract harmful oils and contaminants from gear used in the line of duty. It helps to protect firefighters.
“Safety continues to be a key priority for our government,” says Schuler. “This funding will help support our local governments in their efforts to provide long-term fire protection for their residents and businesses.”
Why was the fund expanded from the initial $5 million announced last fall? According to Derek Johnson, Minister of Municipal Relations, the fund was so greatly received that the number of applications exceeded their expectations.
“Our government is committed to the protection of Manitobans and this additional funding will ensure effective fire prevention services are available to all communities,” says Johnson. “We received over 200 applications… By allocating additional funding for the grant, we can assist more communities in meeting their fire protection goals and help improve the service delivery of Manitoba’s fire service across our province.”
These grant announcements have been broadly welcomed by the Manitoba Association of Fire Chief. “The Manitoba Association of Fire Chiefs is pleased with the support given to Manitoba fire departments through the Manitoba Fire Protection Grant,” says the organization’s president, Darren Fedorchuk. “The funds allocated through this grant will benefit both large and small departments throughout the province and will assist us in providing our cities, towns and municipalities with the quality protection they deserve.”
