The Municipality of Meaford has announced the arrival of a new aerial fire truck that will significantly enhance emergency response capabilities and support the continued work of the Meaford Fire Department.
The new truck, equipped with a 110-foot ladder, replaces the department’s current 75-foot ladder truck. The municipality said that this investment ensures firefighters have the reach, flexibility, and modern technology needed to respond safely and effectively to emergencies across our growing community.
“This new truck represents our ongoing commitment to public safety,” said Rob Pilon, Fire Chief for the Meaford Fire Department. “The upgraded ladder height and modern equipment will allow our firefighters to work more efficiently and will help us better protect residents, businesses, and visitors.”
The decision to purchase a 110-foot aerial unit was made to prepare for future growth in Meaford, including several proposed multi-storey residential buildings up to five storeys in height. In emergencies, fire trucks cannot always park immediately beside a building due to setbacks, landscaping, trees, or other obstacles. The additional ladder height provides the reach needed to safely access upper floors even when the apparatus cannot be positioned directly next to the structure.
Development charges from recent growth helped fund part of the purchase, which offset the amount of funding from property taxes.
The aerial truck was ordered in 2024 at a cost of $1.73 million and budgeted over several years to avoid a costly single year expense.
“This purchasing and budget strategy has allowed the municipality to find savings as a smaller truck purchased today would be about $2.3 million,” said the municipality.
