Haldimand County is pleased to announce the launch of the Farm 911 Emily Project civic addressing initiative.

The program offers owners of rural, agricultural land the opportunity to purchase 911 signage for their farm entrances to help first responders locate individuals/incidents in an emergency.

The Farm 911 Emily Project is inspired by Emily Trudeau, who tragically passed away after being involved in a farm accident in Hastings County, Ontario, where first responders had difficulties finding her location.

“This program will assist first responders in identifying the site of a medical or rescue incident more efficiently. When a farm incident occurs it can take first responders longer to locate the property if there is no civic address,” said Jason Gallagher, Haldimand’s Manager of Emergency Services and Fire Chief.

“Although we have not had any local tragedies due to an inability to find an incident on vacant property, we hope these measures will ensure we continue on this course,” Gallagher added.

Haldimand County would like to acknowledge the Haldimand County Agricultural Advisory Committee and the Haldimand Federation of Agriculture (HFA) for bringing this program to the attention of Council for the benefit of agricultural property owners.

In addition, Haldimand County is pleased to partner with Erie Mutual Insurance Company and the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario (local chapter) who have provided sponsorship funds to cover the costs of 35 signs (first come, first serve) for 2021.

This project will operate on a voluntary basis for existing vacant farm entrances.

Individuals who wish to participate are encouraged to submit an application form available online at HaldimandCounty.Ca/The-Farm-911-Emily-Project or contact planning@HaldimandCounty.on.ca for additional information.

If funding is fully subscribed to, successful applicants will be required to pay a fee of $109.61* which is to be submitted along with their application (*2021 fee).

The application will be reviewed by staff and if no concerns are identified, a new civic address will be issued.

Through this program, properties will be identified by yellow and black signs to distinguish between vacant properties and properties with dwellings. This is so first responders are aware the incident they are called to may not be tied to a home or farm building.