Photo by B. Shakyaver
Communities and organizations across Huron County are receiving more than $610,000 in provincial funding to support emergency preparedness, firefighter safety, mental health services, and local events.
MPP Lisa Thompson says the investments will help local municipalities, emergency responders, and organizations better serve residents and improve community safety.
Several municipalities are receiving funding through Ontario’s Community Emergency Preparedness Grant program.
The Municipality of Morris-Turnberry will receive more than $32,000 to purchase mobile emergency road closure trailers for use during severe weather, accidents, fires, and other emergencies.
The Municipality of Central Huron is receiving nearly $45,000 to upgrade radio communication equipment for first responders.
Meanwhile, the Town of Goderich will receive more than $48,000 to improve emergency preparedness through new equipment including a drone, portable digital signs, and a digital public alert system.
Additional funding is also being provided through the Fire Protection Grant program.
The Township of Howick will receive funding to purchase firefighting safety equipment including a gear washer, protective clothing, and equipment for lithium-ion battery incidents.
The Municipality of Huron East is receiving more than $52,000 for decontamination equipment, turnout gear, gas detectors, and firefighting supplies.
The Town of Goderich will also receive funding for a new bunker gear dryer to help properly clean and dry firefighter protective equipment.
The Municipality of Bluewater is receiving nearly $70,000 for a decontamination trailer and cancer prevention protective equipment for firefighters.
Mental health support funding is also being provided across the region.
The County of Huron will receive $25,000 through the Mental Health Supports for Public Safety Personnel Program for emergency health services, while the Town of Goderich will receive another $25,000 to support fire service mental health initiatives.
In addition, the Huron County OPP is receiving $240,000 over two years through the Mobile Crisis Response Team Enhancement Grant. The funding will support a partnership with the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance and the Municipality of South Huron to improve mental health crisis response services in the community.
Funding is also supporting tourism and local events through the Experience Ontario Program.
The Town of Goderich will receive nearly $20,000 for the Goderich Salt & Harvest Festival, while the Christmas in Bayfield Committee will receive $20,000 to support holiday celebrations and tourism activities in the community.
Provincial officials say the funding will help strengthen emergency response, improve public safety, support mental health services, and boost local tourism and community events across Huron County.
