Grey Highlands Regional Training Centre Strengthening Local Firefighter Training and Community Impact

Grey Highlands Regional Training Centre Strengthening Local Firefighter Training and Community Impact

Grey Highlands, ON: The Municipality of Grey Highlands continues to strengthen firefighter training across the region through the Grey County Regional Training Centre (RTC), located at the Grey Highlands Fire Station in Markdale.

Since assuming operation of the RTC in July 2023, the Grey Highlands Fire Department has worked closely with the Ontario Fire College to deliver high-quality, provincially recognized training closer to home for local and regional firefighters.

In 2025, the Regional Training Centre hosted a wide range of specialized fire service courses, including Fire Instructor Levels I and II, Fire Officer I, Pump Operator, Passenger Auto Extrication, Hazardous Materials training, and Fire Investigation. 

A total of 136 students attended courses throughout the year, the majority from Grey County, allowing firefighters to access mandatory training without the need for extensive travel.

“This training centre plays a critical role in ensuring our firefighters are prepared, certified, and supported,” said Fire Chief Marty Wellwood. “By hosting these courses locally, we’re reducing costs for departments, supporting firefighter readiness, and strengthening collaboration across the region.”

The Grey County Regional Training Centre is also one of only a few sites in Ontario approved to host Fire Investigation training. In January 2026, the Centre was selected to host the pilot Incident Command course, making it the first Regional Training Centre in the province chosen to deliver this new program.

With demand continuing to grow, 2026 is expected to be another busy year, with 11 courses already scheduled.

Financially, operations continue to be managed in a responsible and sustainable manner, with revenues supporting Fire Department operations.

The Grey County Regional Training Centre remains a key example of regional partnership, responsible governance, and investment in community safety—ensuring firefighters across Grey County have access to the training they need, locally. 

Find PDF copy of full media release here. 

For more information, contact:

Kathryn Connors

communications@greyhighlands.ca

Corporate Communications

Municipality of Grey Highlands

Greyhighlands.ca