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
Work stoppage possible as WestJet issues lockout notice to maintenance engineers' union
A lockout notice issued by WestJet to a union representing aircraft maintenance engineers could result in a work stoppage next week.
'I just can't believe that it took so long': Body found in wreckage 3 months after deadly fire
A man accused of arson in a January Old Strathcona apartment fire is expected to be charged with manslaughter after a body was discovered in the burned building late last month.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
Bodies recovered in Mexico likely 2 Australians, 1 American who went missing: officials
Three bodies recovered in an area of Baja California are likely to be those of the two Australians and an American who went missing last weekend during a camping and surfing trip, the state prosecutor’s office said Saturday.
BREAKING London Drugs begins 'gradual reopening' on 7th day after cyberattack
Almost a week after all London Drugs stores across Western Canada abruptly closed amid a cyberattack, they began a "gradual reopening" on Saturday.
Quebec police hand out hundreds of tickets to Hells Angels and other bikers before 'first run' meeting
Quebec provincial police handed out hundreds of fines to Hells Angels members and other supporting motorcycle clubs who met for their 'first run' in a small town near Sherbrooke, Que.
Auston Matthews skates ahead of Game 7, status unclear with season on the line
Auston Matthews was back on the ice with his teammates Saturday.
Russia puts Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on its wanted list
Russia has put Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on its wanted list, Russian state media reported Saturday, citing the interior ministry’s database.
Snakes almost on a plane: U.S. TSA discovers a bag with small snakes in passenger's pants
According to an X post by the Transportation Security Administration, officers at the Miami International Airport found the small bag of snakes hidden in a passenger's trousers on April 26 at a checkpoint.