City of Hamilton launches vacant farmland emergency response initiative

The City of Hamilton is launching a new initiative to improve emergency responses to vacant farmlands without municipal addresses.

The “Farm 911” project will assign a unique number to each vacant parcel of farmland to help emergency responders identify those properties faster and improve response times during critical situations.

Also known as “The Emily Project”, the initiative is inspired by the tragic death of young Emily Trudeau on a family farm in Ontario.

Her death was the result of her sustaining injuries on a farm property without a municipal address, which made it difficult for emergency responders to locate her quickly.

“In emergency situations, every second counts. Participating in Farm 911 ensures prompt access to individuals requiring our help when they need it the most.” says Chief of Hamilton Police Services, Frank Bergen.

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Fire Chief David Cunliffe echoed similar sentiments saying, “I strongly encourage anyone who owns vacant agricultural or rural property to participate in the Farm 911 – Emergency Access Point (EAP) program. This program will provide our Firefighters a way to quickly identify the access points to these properties, when seconds count.”

Farm owners are required to enroll in the program and the City, along with police, fire and paramedics are strongly encouraging them to do so.

All who enroll will receive a red and white address sign to be installed free of charge at the existing field access point to make it easier for emergency services to find the property quickly.

Further information about the program and how to enroll can be found on the city’s website.

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