(L to R) Connie White, Stacey Levesque, Chris Brennan, Julie Butala, Neil Nicholson
Enbridge Gas Ontario and the Whitewater Region Fire Department have partnered in an effort to improve residential safety and eliminate fire- and carbon monoxide-related deaths. The initiative will focus on education, prevention and community outreach to reduce risks in homes across the municipality.
Chris Brennan, Senior Advisor of Municipal and Stakeholder Affairs with Enbridge Gas Ontario, was on hand in Cobden Monday to help kick off Year 17 of Project Zero, which aims to reduce the number of carbon monoxide deaths to zero. Brennan explains:
The Whitewater Region Fire Department has received 132 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms through Safe Community Project Zero, led by the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council, which will distribute more than 14,200 alarms to residents in 75 communities across Ontario.
Stacey Levesque, Deputy Fire Chief of Whitewater Region, says that as of Jan. 1, 2026, it will be mandatory to have carbon monoxide alarms on all floors of a dwelling and not just one floor as has been the case for several years. The very nature of the gas itself is a main reason why more detectors are needed in homes, says Levesque:
Brennan went on to say:
“Proper maintenance of fuel-burning appliances is the most effective way to prevent carbon monoxide exposure. We’re proud to support our communities by raising awareness and helping Ontarians take simple, proactive steps to stay safe in their homes.”
Whitewater Region Township Mayor Neil Nicholson is well aware of the importance of the annual project and has seen first-hand the difference the alarms have made for his constituents year over year:
For more information on this initiative and Enbridge Gas Ontario in general, visit the link below.
enbridgegas.com
(Written By: Richard Evans)