Staff
The Meaford and District Fire Department has been awarded a grant of $25,000 from Farm Credit Canada (FCC) towards the purchase of an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV).
The grant has been awarded through FCC’s AgriSpirit Fund, which supports projects that enhance lives or contribute to sustainability in rural communities. The ATV will allow the Meaford and District Fire Department to access remote emergencies, transport injured patients, and fight fires on trails or farmland that is not easily accessible by road.
“Meaford is an active, four-season community with many kilometers of great trails and open spaces that are enjoyed by hikers, snowmobilers, cyclists, farmers, and more,” said Fire Chief John deHooge. “This vehicle will enable us to reach injured patients and extinguish brush fires faster throughout our rural municipality.”
The full cost of the purchase is estimated at $60,000. The vehicle will be specially fitted with a skid pack designed to transport injured patients and extinguish fires, and the budget also includes the cost of a trailer to transport the ATV. It is expected to be in use by the spring of 2020.
The Meaford and District Fire Department is accepting donations towards this project. For more information or to donate online, visit www.meaford.ca/ATV.
