Caledon Fire and Emergency Services receives $74,000 from the Provincial Fire Protection Grant

The grant will support the purchase of coveralls for career and volunteer firefighters across Caledon.

CALEDON, ON (December 19, 2024) – Caledon Fire and Emergency Services has been awarded $74,000 through the Fire Protection (FP) Grant program, an initiative introduced by the Province of Ontario and the Solicitor General’s Office.

With this funding, firefighters in Caledon will be equipped with an alternative set of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)-free coveralls for non-fire suppression activities. Firefighters face unique risks every day, and one of the most alarming is exposure to carcinogens that can lead to cancer. Studies show that firefighters are up to four times more likely to develop cancer than the general population. These coveralls, which comply with NFPA 1977 standards for protective clothing, will reduce exposure to PFAS from contaminated bunker gear to firefighters.

As one of Canada’s fastest-growing municipalities with 688 square kilometers of urban and rural land to protect, the town is preparing for increasing emergency response needs.

Quotes

“This funding is a testament to our commitment to building a safer, healthier Caledon, not just for today but for the future. As our community continues to grow rapidly, it’s critical that we invest in the wellbeing of our firefighters, who play a vital role in protecting our residents. This grant is a significant step forward in ensuring that Caledon remains a safe and thriving place to live, work and do business.”

-       Mayor Annette Groves, Town of Caledon

“Firefighters put service over self each and every day, facing dangerous situations to protect their communities. Our government has been a leader in protecting them, while they’re protecting us. Today’s announcement is another concrete step to make sure these heroes get the care, resources and support they deserve.”

-       Michael Kerzner, Ontario’s Solicitor General

“This grant supports one of our most critical missions: ensuring the health and safety of our firefighters while they protect our growing community. By reducing exposure to hazardous substances, we are investing in their long-term wellbeing and demonstrating our unwavering commitment to operational excellence.”

-       Fire Chief Dave Pelayo, Caledon Fire and Emergency Services

From left to right: Fire Chief Dave Pelayo (Town of Caledon), Mayor Annette Groves (Town of Caledon), Solicitor General Michael Kerzner, MPP Sylvia Jones, Deputy Chief Rob Grimwood (President, Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs), Acting Ontario Fire Marshal John McBeth.

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Media contact:
Communications
905.584.2272 | communications@caledon.ca
www.caledon.ca | @TownofCaledon

About Caledon 

Caledon is home to close to 80,000 residents and 4,000 businesses and is well-known for its natural attractions, rural charm and vital role in the economic engine of the Greater Toronto Area. It will soon be one of Ontario’s fastest growing communities as it prepares to become a city of 300,000 residents and 125,000 jobs by 2051. Under its current strategic plan, Caledon’s priorities remain environmental leadership, community vitality and livability, enhanced transportation and mobility, and service excellence and accountability. For more information, visit Caledon.ca or follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

About the FP Grant Program
The Fire Protection Grant program was introduced to help municipal fire departments acquire critical equipment, enhance firefighter health and safety, and implement infrastructure improvements aligned with Ontario’s Firefighter’s Cancer Prevention Checklist.

This year, the Fire Projection Grant is awarding funding to projects that address the alarming trend of firefighters developing cancer at rates up to four times higher than the general population. Learn more.