Province grants $102,614 to boost Oshawa firefighter safety

The City of Oshawa recently received $102,614 in provincial funding from Ontario’s Fire Protection Grant to enhance firefighter safety by modernizing systems and protective gear.  

We are pleased to announce that Oshawa Fire Services has been selected for program funding for the second year in a row, recognizing the City’s continued commitment to improving firefighter health and safety across Ontario. This year’s funding will support key initiatives that reduce exposure to carcinogenic contaminants and strengthen the performance and longevity of essential protective equipment. The grant will be directed toward the following priority projects:

• • Installing new diesel‑exhaust removal systems that capture fumes at the source to prevent harmful emissions from spreading through stations and to maintain cleaner air in the facilities
  • Upgrading older air‑cleaning equipment to improve overall ventilation and contaminant control
  • Improving electrical systems with motion‑sensor technology to enhance efficiency and safety
  • Enhancing the respiratory safety program by using the PortaCount Fit Tester to ensure proper fit for N95 and SCBA masks

Together, these improvements reduce long‑term health risks and reinforce the City’s commitment to a safer, healthier environment for firefighters and the community.

In 2025, the Ministry of the Solicitor General doubled the Fire Protection Grant, expanding the program from $10 million to $20 million in its second year. This increased funding supports fire services across Ontario as they invest in cancer‑prevention measures, equipment to manage lithium‑ion battery fires, and important facility upgrades. The enhanced grant demonstrates the province’s ongoing commitment to providing firefighters with the resources and infrastructure they need to stay safe while serving their communities.

Quotes:

“Every fire fighter in Ontario has chosen a life where the call to service to their communities comes first, often before their own lives and families. Which is why our government is committed to ensuring that our first responders have the necessary tools they need to keep our communities safe and investing in updated equipment and renovations through this year’s Fire Protection Grant is evidence that investing in our fire fighters is an investment in our community” said Todd McCarthy, MPP for Durham. 

“Protecting the health and safety of our firefighters is a responsibility we take seriously, and this provincial investment strengthens that commitment,” said Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter. “We are grateful to the Ontario government for this support, which will help reduce long‑term exposure risks and ensure our firefighters have the protective equipment they need to serve our community.”

“Our firefighters face hazards that aren’t always visible, including carcinogenic contaminants that can accumulate over time," said Oshawa Fire Chief Stephen Barkwell. “This grant enables us to take important steps to reduce those risks through better exhaust control, improved air‑cleaning systems, and enhanced respiratory protection. We appreciate the province’s continued support as we work to safeguard the health of our fire crews.”