The Ontario government is investing more than $385,000 in fire services across Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry to help protect firefighters from elevated cancer risks and improve their ability to respond to lithium-ion battery fires.
The funding, delivered through the 2026 Fire Protection Grant, will support cancer prevention initiatives, equipment purchases, and infrastructure upgrades in six local municipalities.
“Every day, our local firefighters put their lives on the line to protect our communities when it matters most,” said MPP Nolan Quinn.
“Through this investment, our government is ensuring firefighters across Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry have the tools they need to keep our loved ones and themselves safe.”
The City of Cornwall will receive $36,223, which will be used to enhance cancer prevention measures for Cornwall Fire Services. “Our first responders are safer because of this investment, and we are grateful for the province’s commitment to health and well-being in fire protection,” said Mayor Justin Towndale.
Specialized response
South Glengarry Fire Services will use its $83,000 grant to build on existing cancer prevention and specialized emergency response programs.
“These investments… will ensure that our firefighters continue to provide vital emergency response to our communities, and remain mentally and physically healthy while doing so,” said Fire Chief Dave Robertson.
In North Stormont, Fire Chief Nancy-Ann Gauthier highlighted the importance of the $69,314 grant. “We are a family protecting a bigger family-our communities-and this investment provides the gear we need to reduce cancer risks and return home safely to our loved ones.”
Higher cancer risk
Firefighters face a 23% higher overall cancer risk compared to other workers, according to the Occupational Disease Surveillance System.
Cancers such as melanoma, prostate, colon, kidney, testicular, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma are significantly elevated due to occupational exposure to carcinogens in smoke, diesel exhaust, and shift work disruptions.
These risks are recognized under Ontario’s WSIB presumptive legislation, which links over a dozen cancers to firefighting with minimum service requirements.
South Dundas is receiving $50,000, with Mayor Jason Broad stating the funding “allows our South Dundas Fire & Emergency Services to invest in vital equipment and resources that enhance firefighter safety and improve our community’s emergency response capabilities.”
New shower facilities
South Stormont is using its $65,180 grant for targeted improvements, including new shower facilities in Newington, gear extractors in Ingleside, decontamination soap, and specialized battery-response equipment. North Dundas is also receiving $81,993 to support similar initiatives.
Province-wide, the Fire Protection Grant is supporting all 380 municipal fire services and approximately 33,000 firefighters.
Solicitor General Michael Kerzner noted, “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.”