We’ve been hearing a lot about FARM 911: The Emily Project lately. Just this week, Stirling-Rawdon kicked off the program and previous to that Quinte West installed its first 911 sign alongside a farm field.
However, there are concerns that FARM 911 is going nowhere in Prince Edward County.
A representative from the Ontario Federation of Agriculture told county council’s Committee of the Whole Thursday that there was a commitment from council last year to roll out the program but it seemed nothing had actually happened.
The Emily Project sees 911 signs posted alongside farm properties that don’t have buildings to help emergency responders better locate accident scenes to help injured victims.
Municipal staff says there is $20,000 in a budget for the program but the roll-out was put on hold because it would cost over $200,000 to put signs on all farm properties in the county.
Councillor Janice Maynard said the problem wasn’t the cost of a sign but the $400. entrance permit fees and asked that that fee be waived so farmers would want to get involved.
Councillor Phil Prinzen, a farmer himself, said the tragic death of young Emily Trudeau of Tweed in a farm accident must haunt the family each and every day and urged staff to get moving.
The Committee will see a full staff report outlining options to implement FARM 9 1 1 at its July meeting.
