Farm 911 Project honouring Emily Trudeau launched in Ajax

The Town of Ajax has launched a new safety initiative to help first responders locate rural properties for easy and quick access in emergencies.

Funding for the initiative has been provided by the Region of Durham to install clear signs to locate rural properties, which will allow for secondary access points to farmers’ fields in Ajax.

Known as the Farm 911 Project, and also known as the Emily Project in honour of seven-year-old Emily Trudeau, who lost her life in a farming accident in Hastings County in 2014.

The Farm 911 Project was founded by Emily’s parents who have a mission to improve emergency services in our rural communities by ensuring landowners can request a civic address from their municipality for entrance of their farmland.

The purpose of the Farm 911 Project is to ensure there is accurate geographic information for first responders to facilitate an emergency response and identify the secondary address for the properties.

“We are proud to implement the Farm 911 Project as an important safety initiative for the Town. Time saving measures are an essential part of emergency preparedness and can save lives – every second counts,’ noted Ajax Fire Prevention Officer Greg DeMan.  “Thank you to the Region of Durham for providing the funding to the Town, as the installation of these address signs is a necessary addition and a significant initiative to keep our residents safe.”

There will be eight address signs installed on secondary access points to farmers’ fields similar in look to the current rural address signs. The funding provided also allows six signs to be installed at entrances or parking lots for trails.

Ajax Fire and Emergency Services, Planning and Development, Technology and Innovation and Operations have all been working together on this project and to ensure property owners are aware of this installation, letters will be sent to inform them of the sign installation and its purpose.