Emergency Services Provider Fund (ESPF)

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT - More Funding Available for First Responders

Fire departments, ground search and rescue teams and hazardous materials units can get more help from the Province to buy equipment this year through the expanded Emergency Services Provider Fund.
The government has increased the amount available for purchases for individual organizations and also added a new regional component to the fund for projects and equipment that address the collective needs of multiple emergency response organizations in an area. This will help ensure co-ordinated, region-wide preparedness, response and recovery efforts.
“First responders play such a crucial role in keeping Nova Scotians safe,” said Kim Masland, Minister of Emergency Management. “This year, we’re increasing the amount of the fund to $4 million to better equip and support our first responders.” Individual organizations can apply for up to $30,000 from the fund, an increase from $20,000 last year. The fund will also now cover up to 90 per cent of costs, up from 75 per cent. Applications open June 15 and close July 30. Up to $200,000 will be available under the new regional category. Applications open September 1 and close October 14.
Examples of eligible purchases by individual organizations include:
- personal protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus
- equipment for:
- firefighting
- communication
- rescue
- water supply and suppression
- hazardous materials
- emergency power for buildings.
Examples of eligible purchases through the regional fund include:
- major equipment and specialized vehicles and trailers
- regional training facilities
- shared equipment pool (self-contained breathing apparatus, drones, rope or swift water kits, remote rescue kits)
- regional mobile command unit
- multi-purpose utility terrain vehicles, all-terrain vehicles for wildland and search and rescue missions
- regional hazard and vulnerability analysis, regional risk reduction strategies and public education projects
- regional exercise and training programs
- regional FireSmart program enhancements
- mental health resiliency programs.
Quick Facts:
- investing $4 million in the fund this fiscal year is an increase of $2.8 million
- another change is allowing organizations to apply for funding once every two years rather than every three years
Additional Resources:
Emergency Services Provider Fund (ESPF) Application:
Emergency Services Provider Fund Application

COTW Meeting - June 18th, 2025

NOTICE

MEETING:               St Mary’s Municipal Council
                                 Committee of the Whole
DATE:                      Wednesday, June 18^th, 2025
TIME:                       5:30 pm
PLACE:                    St. Mary’s Municipality
                                 Council Chambers, Sherbrooke, NS

1. Call to Order

2. Roll Call

3. Additions to the Agenda

4. Approval of the Agenda

5. Approval of Minutes for Committee of the Whole held June 4^th, 2025

6. Business Arising from Minutes

7. Correspondence:
   a. Nova Scotia Justice – 2025-2026 RCMP Cost
   b. Nova Scotia Growth and Development - Amendments to the NS Building Code Regulations
   c. Annual Provincial Seamen’s Memorial Invitation
   d. Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage – Rink Revitalization Grant
   e. Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage – Community ACCESS-Ability Grant, Accessible Washrooms Funding

8. Other Matters of Business
   a. Staff Report - Phase 3 – Inflow and Infiltration Capital Project

9. In-Camera: Personnel

Adjournment

Council Meeting - June 18th, 2025

NOTICE
MEETING:         Regular Council Meeting
DATE:                Wednesday June 18^th, 2025
TIME:                 5:15pm
PLACE:              Council Chambers, 8296 Highway 7, Sherbrooke

1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Additions to the Agenda
4. Approval of the Agenda
5. Approval of Minutes from:
   a. Council meeting held May 21, 2025
   b. Special Council meeting held May 21, 2025
   c. Emergency Council meeting held June 6, 2025

6. Business Arising from Minutes
7. Recommendations from Committees of Council
   a. Committee of the Whole May 21st, 2025

8. Outside Committee Reports
   a. Port Bickerton & Area Lighthouse Association
   b. Guysborough Adult Learning Association
   c. SMART-GO St. Mary’s Association Rural Transit

9. Other Matters of Business
   a. Municipal Signing Authority
10. CAO Report

Adjournment

Special Council Meeting - June 18th, 2025

NOTICE
MEETING:         Special Council Meeting
Purpose:            Council/COTW Meeting Time Change
DATE:                Wednesday June 18^th, 2025
TIME:                 5:00pm
PLACE:              Council Chambers, 8296 Highway 7, Sherbrooke

1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Approval of the Agenda
4. Recommendation from COTW June 4^th, 2025 – Approval of Council and Committee of the Whole Meeting Time Change

Adjournment

Community Post - ECRL - Mobile Hot Spot

ECRL is thrilled to announce the return of the WiFi Hotspot Lending program, which allows library users to borrow a mobile wireless Hotspot and access wireless internet from anywhere within Eastlink's extended coverage map. These Hotspots are available thanks to a partnership with @NS.

To borrow a WiFi Hotspot, library users can place a request online (search "wifi hotspot" in our online catalogue) or by contacting their local library. They are available for a 3 week loan period. Please note that if Hotspot devices are not returned by their due date, the connection will be shut off and the borrower will be charged a replacement fee.

When a requested Wifi Hotspot is available for the requesting user to borrow, the user will be notified that they have 10 days to pick up the requested Hotspot at their local library location. WiFi Hotspots must be checked out by a staff member. This means that borrowing via a self checkout machine is unavailable, and these devices can not be borrowed via our Borrow by Mail service.

If you have any questions about borrowing WiFi Hotspots at ECRL, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Community Post: Culture Club Sherbrooke

Culture Club Sherbrooke Presents: “Heidi Holloway”
Friday June 6th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Location: 17 Main Street, Sherbrooke, Nova Scotia, B0J 3C0
Phone: 902-318-1699
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.cultureclubsherbrooke.com 
Admission free – Donations welcome!
Heidi Holloway, born and raised in the Maritime Provinces of Canada, grew up with Nova Scotia’s rugged coastline as her playground and the wilds of nature as her playmate. These experiences along with her nature-bound spirit deeply influence her art.
Heidi Holloway is an artist through inspiration, self-teaching, and mentorship. Specializing in painting while exploring sculpting and craving. Heidi is best recognized for her vivid and detailed portrayals of birds. Throughout her life experiences and artistic journey, she has found profound inspiration in the bird kingdom.
This show will be an exhibition of the completed artworks from the Port Bickerton Lighthouse Association Artist Residency Program and Heidi's well-known bird series. Percentage of Proceeds going to Port Bickerton Lighthouse Association.