RIDEAU LAKES — Rideau Lakes Fire Rescue is receiving provincial funding through Ontario’s Fire Protection Grant program, supporting cancer prevention and firefighter safety initiatives.
According to a funding report to council and a Dec. 15 media release from MPP Steve Clark’s office, Rideau Lakes Fire Rescue will use the $62,000 grant to support the purchase of personal protective equipment and decontamination related infrastructure, including gloves, washing and drying equipment, and ventilated gear storage.
The Fire Protection Grant is administered by the Ministry of the Solicitor General and provides funding to municipal fire departments for equipment and infrastructure upgrades aimed at reducing occupational cancer risks and improving responses to emerging hazards such as lithium ion battery fires.
Chief Gene Richardson said Rideau Lakes Fire Rescue is “grateful for the funding,” noting it will allow the department to acquire much needed equipment that supports cancer prevention measures for firefighters.
Rideau Lakes Fire Rescue fourth quarter update presented to council
Rideau Lakes council received the Fire Services fourth quarter update at the Jan. 12 committee of the whole meeting. The report provided by the fire chief, covered departmental activity from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, 2025, and was received for information.
Administrative updates included completion of annual fire apparatus pumper testing, the annual emergency exercise and compliance reporting, district chiefs meetings, and participation in provincial emergency planning webinars and Environment and Climate Change Canada weather briefings. Fire department leadership also met with Leeds and Grenville paramedic services to discuss proposed changes to the Tiered Medical Response Agreement, with the matter expected to come before council in 2026.
Training during the quarter included live fire training at the Mississippi Mills Regional Training Centre, search and rescue exercises, and a firefighter survival confidence course. Year end activities also focused on inventory completion and annual station and equipment inspections.
Fire prevention and enforcement activities included routine inspections, completion of the annual fire drill at the long term care facility with no deficiencies identified, and continued public education through school visits, community presentations and social media outreach.
The department responded to 77 calls during the quarter, with 73 calls within the Rideau Lakes response area, one call in the Village of Westport and three mutual aid responses. Total calls for 2025 were reported at 282.
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