The Municipality of Grey Highlands continues to strengthen firefighter training across the region through the Grey County Regional Training Centre in Markdale.
Since assuming operation of the training centre, which is located at the fire station in Markdale, in July 2023, the fire department has worked closely with the Ontario Fire College to deliver high-quality, provincially recognized training closer to home for local and regional firefighters.
In 2025, the training centre hosted a wide range of specialized fire service courses, including Fire Instructor Levels I and II, Fire Officer I, Pump Operator, Passenger Auto Extrication, Hazardous Materials training and Fire Investigation.
A total of 136 students attended courses throughout the year, the majority from Grey County, allowing firefighters to access mandatory training without the need for extensive travel.
“This training centre plays a critical role in ensuring our firefighters are prepared, certified, and supported,” said Fire Chief Marty Wellwood in a news release. “By hosting these courses locally, we’re reducing costs for departments, supporting firefighter readiness, and strengthening collaboration across the region.”
The Grey County Regional Training Centre is also one of only a few sites in Ontario approved to host Fire Investigation training. In January 2026, the centre was selected to host the pilot Incident Command course, making it the first Regional Training Centre in the province chosen to deliver this new program.
With demand continuing to grow and the fire department expects 2026 to be another busy year, with 11 courses already scheduled.
Revenues from the training centre support fire department operations.