Programs provide free smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and funding for firefighter training and public education resources

TORONTO, Sept. 29, 2026 /CNW/ -- Enbridge Gas Ontario is helping 13 Indigenous fire departments in Ontario enhance community safety, emergency preparedness and public education through its Safe Community Project Zero and Safe Community Project Assist programs. The 2026 program recipients were announced earlier today at the Indigenous Partnership Summit in Toronto, hosted by the Toronto Region Board of Trade.

Led by Enbridge Gas Ontario in partnership with the Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council, Safe Community Project Zero is a public education initiative that provides free combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to help eliminate fire and carbon monoxide-related deaths. Local fire departments distribute the alarms through community outreach initiatives, door-to-door campaigns and public safety events.

Seven Indigenous communities will receive a total of 522 alarms this year. The number of alarms distributed is based on the approximate population served by each local fire department.

Through Safe Community Project Assist, Enbridge Gas Ontario provides grants to fire departments to purchase training materials and public education resources to support community outreach and fire prevention efforts. Fire departments serving six Indigenous communities will each receive a $5,000 grant this year.

"At Enbridge Gas Ontario, safety is at the heart of everything we do," said Jennifer Burnham, President, Enbridge Gas Ontario. "Through Safe Community Project Zero and Safe Community Project Assist, we're proud to support Indigenous fire departments that play a critical role in protecting their communities. These investments help provide life-saving equipment, training opportunities and public education resources that strengthen community resilience and help keep people safe."

"When Indigenous communities, industry and local fire services come together with a shared commitment to community safety, the impact is far-reaching," said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation of Ontario. "Programs like Safe Community Project Zero and Project Assist demonstrate how strong partnerships are enhancing community safety, well-being, and resiliency. Congratulations to this year's recipients and to Enbridge Gas for its continued dedication to making a meaningful difference in communities throughout the province."

Quick Facts:

The 2026 Safe Community Project Zero recipient communities are:

• Rama First Nation
• Chippewas of the Thames First Nation
• Couchiching First Nation
• Garden River First Nation
• Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte
• Rainy River First Nation
• Six Nations of the Grand River

The 2026 Safe Community Project Assist recipient fire departments are:

• Saugeen First Nation
• Kettle and Stony Point First Nation
• Walpole Island First Nation
• Constance Lake First Nation
• Mississauga First Nation
• Thessalon First Nation

Reflecting Enbridge Gas' ongoing commitment to supporting safe, vibrant and resilient communities, Safe Community Project Zero has donated more than 130,000 alarms and invested nearly $4 million since its launch in 2009. This year alone, approximately 15,000 alarms will be distributed to 76 fire departments across Ontario through a $480,000 investment by Enbridge Gas Ontario.

Launched in 2012, Safe Community Project Assist has provided more than 400 grants to fire departments across the province through nearly $2.1 million in funding from Enbridge Gas Ontario. In 2026, 24 fire departments will be able to use their grants not only for firefighting and carbon monoxide training materials, but also for public education resources that support community outreach and safety awareness. This represents a $120,000 investment by Enbridge Gas Ontario.

Additional Quotes

"In Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, the safety and well-being of our people, families and future generations is a responsibility we all share. The smoke and carbon monoxide alarms provided through Safe Community Project Zero will help protect more homes and support our ongoing efforts to keep community members safe and prepared. We value partnerships that work alongside Indigenous communities, respect our priorities and help strengthen the services that support our people. We thank Enbridge Gas Ontario and the Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council for their commitment to helping build safer, stronger and more resilient communities for generations to come." 

 -      Chief R. Donald Maracle, Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte 

"Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are among the most effective tools for protecting lives, and firefighter training and public education are essential components of community safety. Through Safe Community Project Zero and Project Assist, Indigenous fire departments across Ontario are receiving valuable resources that will help protect residents, strengthen emergency preparedness and support local safety education efforts. We are proud to partner with Enbridge Gas Ontario to deliver programs that make a meaningful difference in the communities we serve."

  -     Jeremy Parkin, President, National Indigenous Fire Safety Council; President, Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs; Fire Chief, Rama Fire Rescue; Board Member, Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council

"The Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council is proud to partner with Enbridge Gas Ontario on programs that empower fire departments to make a meaningful difference in their communities. Safe Community Project Zero and Project Assist provide valuable resources that support fire prevention, emergency preparedness and public education. By investing in Indigenous fire departments, we are helping strengthen local capacity, enhance community outreach efforts and ultimately improve safety outcomes for residents across Ontario."

 -     Jamie Kovacs, Executive Director, Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council

"The safety and well-being of our community members is always a priority. The combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms provided through Safe Community Project Zero will help protect more homes and give families greater peace of mind. We are grateful for this investment and for the partnership with Enbridge Gas and the Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council, which will help us continue to promote safety, preparedness and community well-being."

 -       Scott Maracle, Fire Chief of Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte

"Prevention, education and preparedness are the foundation of safer communities. Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms provide an early warning of emergencies that can save lives. Public education provides residents with the knowledge of how to prevent and react to emergencies, while ongoing training helps ensure firefighters are equipped to respond effectively. Through Safe Community Project Zero and Safe Community Project Assist, Indigenous fire departments are receiving valuable resources that will strengthen local fire safety efforts and help protect families for years to come. We commend Enbridge Gas Ontario for their continued commitment to supporting community safety across the province."

 -     Jon Pegg, Ontario Fire Marshal and Chair, Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council

About Enbridge Gas Ontario

Enbridge Gas Ontario is Canada's largest natural gas storage, transmission and distribution company based in Ontario. With 178 years of service, it delivers safe, affordable, reliable energy to over 4 million customers. It is investing in innovations that modernize how energy is produced, delivered and used to support a lower emission future. The storage and transmission business offers a variety of storage and transportation services to customers at the Dawn Hub, Canada's largest integrated underground storage facility and one of the largest in North America. Enbridge Gas is owned by Enbridge Inc. (ENB), a North American-based leader in energy transportation and distribution. Visit enbridgegas.com to learn more. 

SOURCE Enbridge Gas Inc.