Orillia's fire department unveils new rescue boat
On Wednesday, the Orillia Fire Department unveiled a new rescue boat for off-season water emergencies.
"It provides and assists us with river rescues, in lake rescues and allows us emergency access to Grape Island," said Fire Chief Michael Clark.
The new zodiac replaces the department's old rescue boat, which Clark says requires an upgrade.
"One of the captains was joking earlier, and he said he remembers a call where a kayaker was actually going faster than the old boat," he said.
The vessel cost around $23,000 and was paid through grant funding from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation of Canada.
"Deputy Fire Chief Chris Ferry was more than willing to work with us to find equipment that can help us in saving lives in the community, something they really need," said Nilam Shah, Orillia Firehouse Subs Franchise owner.
Mayor Steve Clarke says it's a perfect example of the community coming together and that it's essential for first responders have the proper tools.
"This is definitely an upgrade from the boat that they had and will enable them to not only help our own citizens but help surrounding townships as well," Clarke said.
The boat, which is now in operation, will also service Severn Township and be used for emergencies until the water freezers.
It's expected to last 20 years.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NDP motion regarding Palestinian statehood passes after major Liberal alterations
A motion from the federal New Democrats initially calling on Canada to recognize the 'State of Palestine' passed amid widespread acrimony on Monday, after the Liberals drastically altered its wording to see the government simply work towards that aim as part of a two-state solution.
'He didn't want to die': Family of Calgary man killed in standoff speaks out
Family of a Calgary man killed after a 30-hour standoff with police last week are speaking out, sharing details of the tense and heart-wrenching experience.
Toronto family doctor who called patient's body 'perfect' suspended for 3 months: tribunal
A family doctor in Toronto has been suspended for three months after a disciplinary tribunal found that he failed to follow proper protocols while examining a patient's breasts and made inappropriate comments about her body.
Ohio mom who left toddler alone 10 days when she went on vacation pleads guilty to aggravated murder
An Ohio mother whose 16-month-old daughter died after being left home alone in a playpen for 10 days last summer while she went on vacation was sentenced Monday to life in prison with no chance of parole.
Retired teacher pleads guilty to paying for sex with 15-year-old in Collingwood, Ont.
In a Barrie courtroom on Monday, a retired high school teacher from the Niagara Region pleaded guilty to sexual touching and obtaining sexual services from a 15-year-old boy in Collingwood in 2021.
Hertz CEO out following electric car 'horror show'
The company, which announced in January it was selling 20,000 of the electric vehicles in its fleet, or about a third of the EVs it owned, is now replacing the CEO who helped build up that fleet, giving it the company’s fifth boss in just four years.
5 charged in Calgary kidnappings that targeted women
Calgary police have charged five men in a pair of kidnappings last year that targeted innocent victims.
Demand soars for solar eclipse glasses in Canada. Are they worth buying?
The demand for total solar eclipse glasses used to safely view the rare celestial event has been ramping up as sellers, along with astronomy and eye-care experts in Canada, warn that viewing the eclipse with the naked eye is dangerous.
Canadian commander of volunteer fighter group dies in Ukraine
A Canadian-born commander of the so-called Norman Brigade, a volunteer fighting group in Ukraine, has died.