Province invests in upgraded fire simulator to enhance fire safety

The provincial government is investing in the safety and preparedness of Island firefighters through a major upgrade to PEI’s only live fire simulator, operated by the Firefighters Association (PEIFFA) at its training facility in Miltonvale Park. 

The upgraded simulator will enhance training opportunities for over 1,100 firefighters across 35 departments and improve emergency response capacity in Island communities.

Premier Rob Lantz announced that the province will contribute more than $2.5 million over the next two years to support the simulator replacement project. This initiative is a partnership between the provincial departments of Justice and Public Safety and Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture; and the PEIFAA.

The new simulator will meet National Fire Protection Association standards, use environmentally friendly fuels, and reduce harmful exposure during training. It will also be available to other safety forces such as the Atlantic Police Academy, RCMP, Correctional Services, and local police departments. 

Quotes: 

“This is a significant investment in the safety of our communities and the people who serve them. Volunteer firefighters are the backbone of emergency response in PEI, and this upgraded simulator will ensure they have the tools and training they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.”

— Hon. Rob Lantz, Premier of Prince Edward Island

“We are very proud to have a strong relationship with our local fire service community. By making investments to protect the people who protect us, we’re ensuring our public safety sector has access to modern, safe, and effective training tools—so they can continue to support Island communities with confidence.”

— Hon. Bloyce Thompson, Deputy Premier and Minister of Justice and Public Safety 

“This project is a great example of how we can work together to strengthen our communities. Fire departments are essential to the safety and resilience of our Island, and this upgrade will ensure they have the tools they need to train effectively.”

— Hon. Zack Bell, Minister of Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture

“We are beyond thankful for provincial investment that will support the safety of Island firefighters and first responders for years to come. As communities grow, so too has the demand for fire officials and the valuable services that they provide. This new training simulator will pay dividends for our local fire departments and the communities that they serve each and every day.”

— Gerard McMahon, President of the PEI Firefighters Association

Media contacts:

April Gallant
Senior Communications Officer / Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture
Government of Prince Edward Island
aldgallant@gov.pe.ca

Kip Ready
Senior Communications Officer / Justice and Public Safety
Government of Prince Edward Island
kjready@gov.pe.ca

Backgrounder: 

• PEIFFA was founded in 1968 and is comprised of 35 fire Departments across Prince Edward Island.
• The organization represents and provides training to all PEI firefighters (approximately 1,100), and multiple safety agencies, through its fire school in Miltonvale Park.
• The Rural Growth Initiative (RGI) supports rural non-profit organizations and municipal governments to implement projects that enhance the quality of life in rural PEI. In 2024-2025, RGI supported 170 projects in 70 communities.