HALDIMAND—Haldimand County’s Emergency Management Program (EMP) and updated Emergency Response Plan were presented to Haldimand Council recently for adoption.
According to a report prepared by Emergency Medical Services Manager & Fire Chief Jason Gallagher, the County’s response plan required a thorough review and revision. This was completed in 2024 and approved by Haldimand’s Emergency Management Program Committee.
Since 2019, Haldimand has utilized a provincial system, the Incident Management System (IMS), to assign responsibilities in cases of emergency using a common organizational structure. Haldimand’s EMP is consistent with provincial requirements under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
In addition to an emergency plan, it covers staff training programs related to response and recovery practices, public education on general safety risks and public preparedness in the event of an emergency, and a number of staff designations to fulfill roles related to promoting safety and efficient emergency protocols.
In attendance at the December 10 Council meeting was Deputy Fire Chief Rodger Hill, who was commended for his services. This includes attending the scene of the December 3 fire in Dunnville that led to an investigation with four people sent to hospital and arson charges laid against a 60-year-old man from Dunnville.
“There was a tragic fire in Dunnville and Rodger was in attendance there and there was a gentleman that was homeless for a few nights out there in the cold due to this fire. Rodger assisted him in finding him some housing,” shared Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley.
“I just wanted to shout out our fire departments in Haldimand County,” she added. “They’re exceptional. They’re volunteers. I’m so proud to have each of them represent Haldimand County and they work so hard. They put their heart and soul into their volunteer positions.”
Councillor John Metcalfe joined in praising Haldimand’s volunteer firefighters. He said that while it may be expensive to train these volunteers to the provincial standard required to fill the role, it’s always money well spent.
“If you wonder where your money goes, it’s incidents like the tragic fire in Dunnville and various activities that these volunteers practice on a weekly basis, some on a daily basis, to be prepared for emergencies such as fires and motor vehicle accidents,” said Metcalfe.
He continued, “Having been one for 26 years, I know how times have changed.”
“It’s a big commitment to the volunteers that are coming on now to be trained up to the standard. Anybody that’s just starting out or thinking about becoming a volunteer, it’s a great organization and it does take commitment, but it’s well worth it and very satisfying. Anybody out there, I think we’re in a recruiting drive now – get those applications in,” Metcalfe noted.
Council unanimously approved the adoption of both items.
Once ratified, a document signed by the County Emergency Management Coordinator and Mayor Bentley will be presented to the Ontario Fire Marshall declaring completion of all necessary requirements of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.
