As Northern Ontario continues to battle raging wildfires that has displaced roughly 1,200 people, the Ontario government plans to expand emergency readiness and have launched a fourth round of applications for the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant (CEPG). A $5 million investment will come in the current round bringing the total investment to $20 million. Adjala-Tosorontio is one of the 342 communities in the province that have benefitted from the CEPG, receiving $50,000, investing in equipment to combat forest fires in the area. Todd Aitken is the fire chief for Adjala-Tosorontio and said the grant money allowed them to invest in the proper tools to fight the fires. “Such as our fire pumps, our fire hoses, portable radios, equipment that can be used to help to protect our community as well as our neighboring communities,” said Aitken. The tools purchased have already been used a handful of times including a mutual aid call at Base Borden. “They had a wildfire in the training area that we assisted over a two day period and we utilize our firefighters, utilize the equipment that we receive from the grant to help suppress the fire and support our partners,” said Aitken. Adjala-Tosorontio Fire Department consists of 60 volunteer and paid on call firefighters and have two stations; one in Everett and one in Loretto. The grant also allowed them to purchase fire danger rating signs and recruitment signs located outside the stations. Minister of Emergency Preparedness and MPP Jill Dunlop was on hand for the announcement Wednesday and said she wants to ensure smaller communities receive support whether its battling fires or recovering after an ice storm. “Obviously the equipment that they decide to purchase was something that was definitely needed in this area and I think that’s the the benefit of this grant is that it’s really based on the municipalities needs and what they determined is the best fit for their community and what they bring forward,” said Dunlop. Scott Anderson, mayor of Adjala-Tosorontio said the grant is much more than just the purchasing of equipment. “It is about protecting people and property, strengthening our community and ensuring that Adjala-Tosorontio remains a safe place for families to live, to work, and to enjoy the natural beauty that makes our township so special,” said Anderson. Applications to receive funding for the fourth round will open on Aug. 19 and close on Oct. 7.
