Ensuring firefighters have reliable, up-to-date protective equipment is not just a regulatory requirement—it is a moral imperative. In a recent report to Council (Report Fire Chief-2025-06), Fire Chief Chuck Pedersen outlined a strategic plan to replace aging bunker gear while navigating new safety standards and securing the best possible price for taxpayers.
Here is a breakdown of the recommendation and its implications for the Douro Dummer community.
The Challenge: Changing Standards and Expiring Gear
The next three years mark a significant replacement cycle for the department’s "bunker gear"—the heavy-duty jackets and pants firefighters wear to protect themselves from extreme heat and hazardous environments.
For 2025 alone, the department budgeted for 18 new sets of gear. However, a hurdle appeared in May when the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) announced upcoming changes to safety standards. To ensure Douro-Dummer didn’t purchase gear that would arguably become obsolete, the department paused the traditional Request for Proposal (RFP) process to wait for the new specifications.
Those new standards (effective March 1, 2026) were finalized in November, requiring an update to our gear specifications.
The Solution: Streamlined Procurement
Because traditional bidding processes can be lengthy, and the clock is ticking on the expiring gear, Chief Pedersen recommended utilizing the Canoe Procurement Group of Canada.
What is Canoe? Canoe is a cooperative purchasing program that vets vendors and tenders contracts on behalf of public sector entities. Think of it as "collective buying power." It allows municipalities to skip the long administrative delays of tendering individually because Canoe has already done the heavy lifting to ensure trade compliance and competitive pricing.
By using Canoe, the Fire Department can purchase from a trusted Ontario-based vendor that:
We have experience with.
Is already approved by Canoe.
Fits within Douro-Dummer's current budget.
The Financial Win: Buying Smart
The recommendation to Council wasn't just about speed; it was about smart economics.
The report recommends purchasing both the 2025 and 2026 gear allocations together.
2025 Budget: The purchase fits entirely within the approved budget.
2026 Strategy: By committing to the 2026 purchase before February 1st, the municipality avoids a planned industry price increase.
This proactive approach means the department secures essential safety equipment for the next two years while coming in below budget for the 2026 allocation.
Conclusion
By leveraging the collective power of the Canoe Procurement Group, Douro-Dummer are cutting through red tape to put safety first. This decision ensures Douro-Dummer firefighters are equipped with gear that meets the latest, rigorous safety standards without delay, while realizing significant cost savings for the community.
