The Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Justice and Public Safety, today announced 13 communities in the province will receive funding for fire protection vehicles through a $2.8 million investment under the Fire Protection Vehicle program.
Minister Davis was joined by the Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister of Women and Gender Equality, and MHA for Harbour Grace – Port de Grave, for the announcement at the Bay Roberts Fire Station. Bay Roberts Fire Rescue is receiving upwards of $450,000 towards the purchase of a new pumper truck.
The Fire Protection Vehicle program provides municipalities with funding flexibility to purchase vehicles and equipment through cost-shared funding criteria. The cost-shared ratios for new vehicles are based on community population:
• (80/20) – fewer than 3,000 people
• (70/30) – 3,000-7,000
• (60/40) – greater than 7,000
A fixed contribution of $100,000 is also available towards the purchase of new pumper and tanker vehicles.
Funding for used vehicles is based on a cost-share of 90/10, with the community paying 10 per cent up to a maximum $100,000 provincial contribution.
Last week, Minister Davis announced an investment of more than $730,000 to purchase fire protection equipment for 39 volunteer fire departments, including bunker gear, cylinders, portable pumps, boots, vehicle extraction tools and more.
Additionally, this builds on funding that was announced in September 2024, to replace over 400 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) units through a $4.2 million investment.
Budget 2024 also included an increase of $400,000 to support municipal fire departments responding to incidents outside their municipal boundary.
The Provincial Government provides Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Services with approximately $121,000 in annual funding for operating expenses and educational campaigns such as Learn Not to Burn.
Quotes
“We recognize the importance of our brave and dedicated volunteer fire departments. It’s why we doubled the budget for fire protection vehicles and equipment in recent years, to help ensure that these active volunteers have reliable equipment to perform their duties. This important investment helps keep them safe, while they protect our communities.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Justice and Public Safety
“Support for our volunteer firefighters is well deserved and very necessary. I work closely with the firefighters in my district as it is essential that we support them by helping secure the resources they need in order for them to do their work safely and efficiently. We all sleep easier at night knowing they are willing and ready to respond to an emergency call. A heartfelt thank you all firefighters for all they do for our communities.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister of Women and Gender Equality and MHA for Harbour Grace – Port de Grave
“This funding announcement benefits 13 fire departments across Newfoundland and Labrador, providing residents with the proper infrastructure needed to keep our community’s safe. Support for this vital piece of equipment means so much to our department and will play a significant role in the communities Bay Roberts Fire Rescue serves.”
Michael Murphy
Fire Chief, Bay Roberts Fire Rescue
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