Calvin Township’s forest fire resolution igniting municipalities

Mar. 15, 2024, Mattawa, Ont. – Calvin Township’s resolution is spreading like wildfire.

“I’m really happy that we had this many responses,” said Richard Gould, Calvin’s mayor. “We put the motion forth and it’s been picked up by many municipalities.”

Earlier this year, Calvin councillors approved a resolution requesting the upper governments work to create a national fire fighting strategy to better prepare for the upcoming fire season. The motion also asked the feds to increase funding to help offset firefighting costs municipalities incur.

The Township sent that resolution to the Prime Minister, the Minister of Defence, Premier Doug Ford, the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, Nipissing MPP Vic Fideli, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, and the Association of Municipalities Ontario.

Copies were also sent to all 444 Ontario municipalities. Now, many of those municipalities are showing support for the cause.

The Municipality of Mattice-Val Cote, the Town of Marathon, and the Municipality of Killarney have all supported the motion and are letting the provincial and federal governments know. The Townships of Alberton, Tarbutt, and Champlain have also offered support for the call for action.

Dutton Dunwich, Magnetawan, Asphodel Norwood, East Ferris, Bonfield, Otonabee-South Monaghan are also behind the cause, and calling for action from the province and country.

“This is an item moved by this council to put pressure on the federal and provincial governments,” Mayor Gould emphasized, “to do more for firefighters and do to more for forest fire protection.”

The increasing municipal support for Calvin’s motion is turning up the heat on the province and feds to be better prepared for this year’s fire season.