The provincial government is providing $49,750 to upgrade emergency equipment for the Longbow Lake Volunteer Fire Brigade.
The funding comes through the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant, which supports small and medium‑sized municipalities, local services boards, First Nations communities, Tribal Councils and Indigenous service organizations.
The Ontario government said recipients are selected through a competitive review process.
Greg Rickford, the Member of Provincial Parliament for Kenora-Rainy River, said volunteer firefighters in Northwestern Ontario cover some of the province’s largest regions.
“Across Northwestern Ontario, volunteer firefighters, like those at the Longbow Lake Volunteer Fire Brigade, serve some of the most expansive regions within our province,” Rickford said in a government release.
He added that the funding “enhances regional emergency preparedness, while ensuring those who remain dedicated to protecting our communities have the upgraded equipment and resources needed to keep them safe.”
The brigade plans to use the money to buy new personal protective equipment, communication tools and wildfire‑suppression gear.
The provincial government said this includes a dedicated wildfire equipment cache and certified Nomex suits for all volunteers.
The upgrades are intended to improve readiness and response capacity as wildfire threats continue to grow in the Longbow Lake Fire Protection Zone, according to a government release.
Jill Dunlop, Ontario’s Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response, said the government is working to strengthen the ability of local organizations to prepare for any type of emergency.
“Our government is strengthening the readiness of local communities and organizations to better prepare for any type of emergency,” Dunlop said.
She said investments such as modernizing emergency operations centres or powering warming centres during winter storms help protect communities across the province.
Since the grant program launched in 2023, the province says it has invested $15 million to support 342 recipients.
