N.S. announces additional funding for first responders in need of more equipment

Nova Scotia fire departments can apply for $30,000 to outfit their organizations.

The province of Nova Scotia has announced $2.8 million in additional funding to help first responders buy equipment.

The Emergency Services Provider Fund has been expanded to allow organizations to apply for up to $30,000, an increase from $20,000 last year.

The fund will also now cover up to 90 per cent of costs, up from 75 per cent.

Fire departments, ground search and rescue teams and hazardous materials units can apply under the fund.

Examples of eligible purchases include:

• personal protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus
• equipment for firefighting, communication, rescue, water supply and suppression, hazardous materials
• emergency power for buildings

Applications open Sunday and close July 30.

“First responders play such a crucial role in keeping Nova Scotians safe,” said Minister of Emergency Management Kim Masland in a provincial news release.

“This year, we’re increasing the amount of the fund to $4 million to better equip and support our first responders.”

The province has also added a new regional component for projects and equipment that address “the collective needs of multiple emergency response organizations in an area.”

The new component is said to help with coordinated, region-wide preparedness, response and recovery efforts.

Up to $200,000 will be available under the regional category, with applications opening Sept. 1 and closing Oct. 14.

Examples of eligible purchases through the regional fund include:

• major equipment and specialized vehicles and trailers
• regional training facilities
• shared equipment pool (self-contained breathing apparatus, drones, rope or swift water kits, remote rescue kits)
• regional mobile command unit
• multi-purpose utility terrain vehicles, all-terrain vehicles for wildland and search and rescue missions
• regional hazard and vulnerability analysis, regional risk reduction strategies and public education projects
• regional exercise and training programs
• regional FireSmart program enhancements
• mental health resiliency programs

Another change is organizations can now apply for funding once every two years rather than every three.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page