Perth Fire Department applies for $16,000 Fire Protection grant to purchase spare bunker gear
Taking advantage of the second intake of the Fire Protection Grant Program, the Town of Perth’s Fire Department is applying for up to $16,000 to purchase six sets of spare bunker gear at a cost of $19,800, with the application presented to Perth council for consideration.
“We received this grant last year, and it’s part of a three-year program offered by the province. This year, they’ve doubled the available funding,” said Fire Chief Trevor Choffe, director of Protective Services.
Chief Choffe emphasized the importance of this equipment, noting that contaminated personal protective equipment (PPE) can expose firefighters to hazardous biological and chemical contaminants. Over time, this not only reduces the effectiveness of the gear but also increases health risks for firefighters. The goal is to equip each firefighter with a second set of bunker gear, allowing them to return to service without delay if their primary gear becomes soiled or unsafe.
This initiative is part of the province’s broader cancer prevention program for firefighters. According to Chief Choffe’s report to Perth council, firefighters are diagnosed with cancer at a rate four times higher than the general population. In Canada, between 50 and 60 firefighters die of cancer each year—half of them in Ontario.
The Fire Protection Grant Program aims to fund initiatives that support firefighter health and safety, particularly those focused on cancer prevention.
Perth council to consider new Animal Control Services
Following the passing of the town’s previous animal control provider, the municipality has selected Frontenac Municipal Law Enforcement to take over services through a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) process.
“It is a no-kill facility,” said Trevor Choffe, Director of Protective Services.
Frontenac Municipal Law Enforcement already serves many neighbouring communities and, according to Choffe, has built an excellent reputation for service.
Under the new agreement, animal control services will only include dogs, not cats or other animals as has been the case for some years.
“For cats, we issue warnings or fines, but we don’t relocate them,” Choffe explained.
The approved 2025 Animal Control budget is $31,970. The new contract offers a base monthly on-call service at a significantly reduced rate of $7,944 per year (plus HST). Based on the town’s historical service call volume, mileage, and hourly call-out fees, the overall costs are expected to remain within budget, potentially even slightly lower than in previous years.
Town committee has recommended the change of provider but the new service will only begin after Perth council passes the motion in the coming weeks. In the meantime residents can continue to contact the fire department of by-law to receive animal control services.
Perth council responds to cemetery concerns about Dufferin Road access changes
In response to a letter from the Perth Cemetery Company (Elmwood Cemetery) expressing concerns about plans to close the Dufferin Road access to Drummond Street West, Perth town staff have reviewed the issue and provided further explanation.
The Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) is proposing to shift the Dufferin Road access about 300 metres east. This change is part of a larger effort to improve traffic flow and safety at the Highway 7 and Drummond Street West intersection.
During the early design phase, Perth staff learned of the MTO’s plan to remove the existing access. Town staff urged the province to consult with local residents and businesses, recognizing the historical significance of the area and how much the community relies on that intersection.
After reviewing the cemetery’s concerns and the MTO’s engineering response, several key points have been clarified:
- A new north-south road is planned between Dufferin Road and Highway 7, near Blair & Son Furniture. This new road will include a signalized intersection at Highway 7.
- Perth staff are also working with the MTO to include a future southbound entrance to the planned Perthmore Arterial Road. The new intersection will meet modern safety standards, improving turning, access, and visibility.
- Road maintenance will continue under an extended seasonal agreement between the Town and Drummond/North Elmsley Township, ensuring Dufferin Road continues to be properly maintained under the new layout.
After careful consideration, town staff support the removal of the current Dufferin Road access because the existing intersection has design flaws, and closing it will improve overall safety and traffic flow at the Highway 7 junction.
While the change will impact some residents and the Perth Cemetery Company, it supports a long-standing goal of improving road safety—something Perth council has been advocating for with the province for many years.
Darou Farm Working Plan
Perth Committee of the Whole has approved the Darou Farm Working Plan, that will see the town develop the 50 acre property into a natural community recreational facility.
The Darou Farm Working group has created a multi-phase plan that will result in a passive recreational space that prioritizes natural features and environmental stewardship.
“Over the past year and a half we’ve gotten together to discuss the layout and what we can do with the 50 acres of property,” said Cathy McNally, director of Community Services.
The group has consulted with the residents and were gratified to receive 300 responses. The suggestions received all aligned with the group’s initial ideas and have been folded into the plan.
The first stage is the dog park which is nearly complete, the fencing is up and an official opening date of October 4 has been chosen. Maintenance for the dog park has been budgeted at $11,000 in 2025.
The rest of the plan proposes that between 2026 and 2029, the park’s development will include: a trail network expansion connecting northwest property trails and pond areas, a picnic shelter and picnic tables to encourage family and group use, and naturalized recreation amenities such as fitness sign benches, observation areas, and bird feeders.
The table has been approached about a community garden, but have indicated they don’t have the capacity right now.
The group will continue to seek community engagement and collaborations as they continue to develop the facility.
Keep up with Perth council activities and find community updates, local events, and news on our Perth news pages.
Watch the Perth council meeting on the Town of Perth’s YouTube channel.
