Clarington receives Provincial funding to plan and build new firefighter training facility

Clarington has been awarded a $3.2 million grant from the Government of Ontario’s Skills Development Fund: Capital Stream for the design and construction of a new fire training facility in Bowmanville. Firefighters and other emergency responders in Clarington and across Durham Region will have new opportunities to develop life-saving skills at the facility. Clarington is grateful for the Province’s support for this project.

This facility—which will be the first of its kind in Durham Region—will feature both a drill tower and a live fire training tower, a training compound, large classroom space and a driver training track. It will provide access to leading-edge training for senior fire officials in incident command and emergency management strategies, leadership training for future Fire Chiefs and Deputy Fire Chiefs, fire training certification for volunteer and career firefighters from underrepresented communities, and more.

“Clarington’s firefighters and other first responders will get better training locally, thanks to this significant grant. This facility will be the first of its kind in the region, and its training opportunities will enhance the safety of communities throughout Durham,” said Mayor Adrian Foster. “I am grateful to the Province of Ontario for this generous funding, which will make this facility a reality and support sustainable growth in our community.”

Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster and members of Council were joined by the Honourable David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development and MPP for Peterborough—Northumberland South; Todd McCarthy, MPP for Durham; Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association Secretary-Treasurer Bob McCutcheon and senior Clarington fire officials to announce Provincial funding to plan and build a new firefighter training facility in Bowmanville. 

“Investments in training our firefighters are investments in the safety and resilience of our communities,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, and MPP for Peterborough—Northumberland South. “With this new fire training facility in Bowmanville, our government is proud to partner with our municipal and fire service partners to increase firefighting training capacity, and open doors for more people who want to protect our communities.”

"Our first responders play a vital role in our community and deserve the finest resources and training,” said Todd McCarthy, MPP for Durham. “This investment will ensure Durham remains safe and well-protected for decades to come."

Bringing together multiple fire services training needs under one roof, the facility will offer training that can be accessed by partner organizations and other first responders. Design work is underway and the Municipality aims to begin construction in 2025.

Learn more about Clarington Emergency and Fire Services by visiting www.clarington.net/EFS.