The City of Steinbach is applying for three separate grants under the provincial Fire Protection Grant Program.

The grant proposals were presented by administration at Steinbach’s council meeting Tuesday evening. Councillor Jac Siemens says these grants could help the fire department move forward with a number of exciting long-term projects.

The Steinbach Fire Department is planning to set up a training area just west of the city's operations building"The City of Steinbach together with the fire department is planning a fire department training area. It is a proposed five-acre site off of Millwork Drive, adjacent to the existing City of Steinbach operations yard and this is for fencing for that property. The request for this grant is just under $60,000."

Councillor Susan Penner says this training area will greatly benefit the fire department.

"I think this is a super exciting project coming our way. We are known for having a great fire department and for them to be able to set up a training centre in our community is very exciting so I will happily support the motion."

The city is also requesting just under $96,000 for a breathing apparatus replacement program and just over $36,000 for a gear dryer.

Mayor Earl Funk says he is hopeful the province will see how important these projects are and award this grant funding.

"In order to have good employees you have to give them good tools and this is part of giving our fire department the tools they need to train new firefighters. This is very exciting."

The applications will now be sent to the province for consideration.