Emergency Services

In 2020, the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville received funding from the province through its Municipal Modernization Program to engaged a third party to do a regional fire services review. Pomax Consulting Inc was selected to undertake the review. In the past, Counties Council has discussed a regional fire services, and the joint modernization task force identified it as a priority. The review included the City of Brockville, the Town of Gananoque and the Town of Prescott, along with the ten local municipalities in Leeds and Grenville.

A copy of the final report is attached:

Regional Fire Services Review Final Report (35mb)

Preparing an Emergency Kit for Your Car

Slippery or snow-covered roads, reduced visibility and bitter cold: these are all conditions that can make driving difficult and even dangerous during cold weather months. Winter also brings a increased risk of getting stuck in your car, so dress warmly before heading out.

Exercise extra caution when driving in these winter road conditions:

• Blizzards: The most dangerous of winter storms, combining falling, blowing and drifting snow, winds of at least 40 km/h visibility less than one kilometre and temperatures below –10*C. They can last from a few hours to several days.
• Heavy Snowfall: Refers to snowfalls of at least 10cm in 12 hours, or at least 15cm in 24 hours; accumulation may be lower in temperature climates.
• Freezing rain or drizzle: This can lead to ice storms, with ice covering roads, trees, power lines etc.
• Cold snap: Refers to temperatures that fall rapidly over a very short period of time, causing very icy conditions.
• Winds: they create the conditions associated with blizzards, and cause blowing and drifting snow, reducing visibility and causing wind chill.
• Black Ice: Refers to a thin layer of ice on the road that can be difficult to see or can make the road look black and shiny. The road freezes more quickly in shaded areas, on bridges and on overpasses when it is cold. These areas remain frozen long after the sun has risen.
• Slush: wet snow can make for slushy roads. Heavy slush can build up in the wheel wells of your vehicle and can affect your ability to steer. Large trucks and buses can blow slush and snow onto your windshield, leading to a sudden loss of visibility.

Follow these tips if you are stuck in the snow:

• Try to stay calm and don’t go out in the cold. Stay in your car: you will avoid getting lost and your car is a safe shelter.
• Don’t tire yourself out. Shovelling in the intense cold can be deadly.
• Let in fresh air by opening a window on the side sheltered from the wind.
• Keep the engine off as much as possible. Be aware od carbon monoxide poisoning and make sure the exhaust pipe is not obstructed by snow.
• If possible, use a candle placed inside a deep can instead of the car heater to warm up.
• Turn on warning lights or set up road flares to make your car visible.
• Turn on ceiling light, leaving your headlights or hazard lights on for too long will drain the battery.
• Move your hands, feet and arms to maintain circulation. Stay awake.
• Keep an eye out for other cars and emergency responders. Try to keep clothing dry since wet clothing can lead to a dangerous loss of body heat.

Prepare an emergency car kit

Always have winter safety and emergency equipment in your car. A basic car kit should contain the following:

• Food that won’t spoil, such as energy bars
• Water - plastic bottles that won’t break if the water freezes (replace them every six months)
• Blanket
• Extra clothing and shoes or boots
• First aid kit with seatbelt cutter
• Small shovel, scraper and snowbrush
• Candle in a deep can and matches
• Wind-up flashlight
• Whistle - in case you need to attract attention
• Roadmaps
• Copy of your emergency plan

Items to keep in your trunk:

• Sand, salt or cat litter (non-clumping)
• Antifreeze and windshield washer fluid
• Tow rope
• Jumper cables
• Fire extinguisher
• Warning light or road flares

Dial 911 in an Emergency

The 9-1-1 Dispatch system is an emergency call system that connects citizens to emergency services. If an emergency service needs to be dispatched, the 9-1-1 dispatch system will alert the appropriate agency (Fire, Ambulance, or Police) to the situation. The agency will then dispatch the necessary resources required to handle the emergency situation.

Call 9-1-1:

• if there is an immediaterisk to someone's life or property
• to stop or report a crime in progress
• to report a fire

9-1-1 is not to be used for general enquiries or administrative calls. Call the appropriate non-emergency phone number.
A list of non-emergency phone numbers in Leeds Grenville is available below. A printable format is also available.

Printable Version

Police

OPP 24-hour police service and general information:

1 888 310-1122
1 888 310-1133 TTY

OPP Detachments:

Grenville County (Prescott) Detachment
Phone Number: 613-925-4221

Grenville County (Kemptville)
Phone Number: 613 258-3441

Leeds County (Brockville)
Phone Number: 613 345-1790

Thousand Islands
Phone Number: 613 659-5200

Brockville Police Services
Phone Number: (613) 342-0127

Gananoque Police Service
Phone Number: 613-382-4422

Fire

Athens Fire Department
Office - 613-924-2127

Augusta Fire Department
613-348-3455

Brockville Fire Department
613-498-1261

Edwardsburg Cardinal
613-658-3001

Township of Elizabethtown-Kitley
613-498-2460

Front of Yonge
613 923-2251

Gananoque Fire Department
613-382-3334

Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands
613-659-2415 extension 222

Village of Merrickville-Wolford
613-269-4791

Municipality of North Grenville
613-258-9569 extension 201

Town of Prescott
613-925-4777 (answering service)
613-925-2206

Township of Rideau Lakes
613-928-2251

Village of Westport
613-928-2251

Public Health

Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit

Brockville - 613-345-5685
Gananoque - 613-382-4231
Kemptville - 613-258-5941
Public Health Emergency - 613-345-5685

Telehealth Ontario

1-866-797-0000
1-866-797-0007 TTY

Ontario Poison Centre

1-800-268-9017

Other Helpful Numbers

Crime Stoppers:

• 1 800 222-TIPS (8477)

Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO)
Traveller Information Services:

• 1 800 268-4686
• 1 866 471-8929 TTY

Road conditions and closures

• 511 (automated telephone service)

Directory Assistance:

• 411

Local programs and services

• 211 Ontario

Kids Help Phone

1-800-668-6868

Addictions and Mental Health Crisis Line

1 (866) 281-2911

Citizen Reporting Tool

The Ontario Provincial Police provide an online reporting tool. You can use the Citizen Reporting Tool for:

• Lost/missing property under $5,000
• Stolen license plates or validation stickers
• Theft from a vehicle under $5,000
• Mischief to a vehicle under $5,000
• Mischief (damage to property other than a vehicle) under $5,000
• Theft under $5,000
• Driving Complaints

Citizen Reporting Tool

Visit the Ontario Provincial Police for additional information on what you should know about

• what happens when you call 911
• text with 9-1-1 Service (T9-1-1)
• internet telephone service (VoIP) users
• emergencies when travelling
• accidental 9-1-1 calls
• teaching children about 9-1-1

Ontario Provincial Police 9-1-1