News release

Province Supports Cape Breton Fire Departments, Emergency Responders for New Equipment

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations (Oct. 2000 - March 2014)

NOTE: A list of projects follows this release.


Cape Breton fire departments and emergency responders will be able to purchase equipment that helps them better protect their communities with provincial support announced today, Aug. 15.

Through the Emergency Services Provider Fund, the province is investing over $124,000 in 17 organizations in Cape Breton Regional Municipality, Inverness, Victoria and Richmond counties.

"This funding helps fire departments and first responders purchase equipment they need to do their job protecting communities throughout the province," said John MacDonell, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. "We want to make sure they can carry out their duties safely and effectively and help make life better for Nova Scotians."

The funds will be used to purchase essential equipment used to respond to a fire or an emergency. This includes personal protective equipment, self-regulated breathing apparatus, HAZMAT equipment, vehicle stabilization jack, communication equipment, and dry hydrant.

"Thanks to the Emergency Services Provider Fund we will be able to purchase a new portable fire skid to enhance our firefighting capabilities during the often hectic and busy spring grass fire season," said Everett Digou, fire chief, South Bar Fire Department.

The program provides up to 50 per cent of eligible costs for approved projects, to a maximum contribution of $20,000. The program is providing about $500,000 to 55 organizations.


Fire Departments, Emergency Responders receiving funding are:

  • Baddeck Fire Department, Victoria County, $9,879
  • Bay St. Lawrence Volunteer Fire Department, Victoria County, $13,291
  • Cape Breton Regional Hazardous Materials Team, $10,405
  • Judique Volunteer Fire Department, Inverness County, $3,054
  • Lake Ainslie Fire Department, Inverness County, $17,230
  • L'Ardoise and District Fire Department, Richmond County, $6,069
  • Margaree Volunteer Fire Department, Inverness County, $6,125
  • Middle River Volunteer Fire Department, Victoria County, $2,489
  • Mira Road Volunteer Fire Department, Cape Breton Regional Municipality, $16,890
  • North Shore and District Volunteer Fire Department, Victoria County, $3,809
  • Port Hastings Fire Department, Inverness County, $2,174
  • Scotchtown Volunteer Fire Department, Cape Breton Regional Municipality, $3,148
  • South Bar Fire Department, Cape Breton Regional Municipality, $7,284
  • Southside Boularderie Fire Department, Cape Breton Regional Municipality, $4,749
  • St. Peter's and District Fire Department, Richmond County, $3,864
  • Tower Road Fire Department, Cape Breton Regional Municipality, $10,391
  • Valley Mills and District Fire Department, Inverness County, $3,211