Approved by City Council the beginning of March, Port Colborne Fire & Emergency Services launches FARM 911 as part of the Emily Project initiative.
The Emily Project - FARM 911 permits address signage to be installed on rural farmlands that normally do not have civic addresses. The address signs help to provide a street address location in case of an emergency, which can lead to a more efficient and effective emergency service response.
“There is a lot of farmland in our community and not all rural property entrances have signage,” said Fire Chief, Scott Lawson. “In remote areas, it can be difficult for first responders to locate the situation. We’re proud to partner with this organization to ensure rural properties have easily identifiable address signage. This will ultimately save time in an emergency and help save lives.”
Property owners of rural farmlands can now submit an application to have a FARM 911 address sign installed through the City’s website. The application fee per address sign is $115 (including HST). Applications can be submitted online by completing the Emily Project – FARM 911 application form. Residents also have the ability to fill out a paper application by printing a copy of the Farm Parcel Municipal Address Application. The completed application form, along with a cheque made payable to the City of Port Colborne can be mailed to 3 Killaly Street West, Port Colborne, Ontario, L3K 6H1.
About the Emily Project
This program is inspired by the Emily Project, in memory of Emily Trudeau. Farm accidents can occur in the most remote locations, making it difficult for first responders to easily locate the situation. In the event of an emergency, no one should have to wait helplessly for first responders to find them. Time is everything and an address at the entrance to a vacant farmland could make all the difference. Learn more about the Emily Project - FARM 911.
Photo (left to right): Rob Cosby, Associate Director Niagara Federation of Agriculture; Linda and Mark Koabel with Thomas, property owners; Port Colborne Fire Chief, Scott Lawson; and Clarke Fretz, Director Niagara Federation of Agriculture