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BYTOWN FIRE BRIGADE

HISTORICAL SOCIETY

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ABOUT US

What Do We Do?

Throughout the years, the Bytown Fire Brigade Historical Society (BFBHS) has worked to interpret, educate and celebrate Ottawa and Canada’s firefighting heritage.

Our Mission & Vision

Mission

The mission of The Bytown Fire Brigade Historical Society is to collect, preserve, conserve, restore, and display the artifacts and apparatus that tell the history of firefighting in Canada’s capital and the country as a whole.

Vision

We are a volunteer community of practice motivated by personal experience, acquired knowledge, or innate interest, working collaboratively to serve, share, and celebrate the history of Canada’s fire service.

About Our History

We are a volunteer community of practice dedicated to interpreting, educating and celebrating the history of firefighting in Canada’s capital and the country as a whole.

Formation of Bytown Fire Brigade

Every city’s history is written in the ashes of its many fires and Ottawa is no exception. To help preserve the fire heritage and the history of the Ottawa area, a group of concerned citizens from the business and professional community joined with area firefighters to create the Bytown Fire Brigade Historical Society in the early 1980s.

1980

1983

Incorporation

The Bytown Fire Brigade is officially incorporated as a federally registered non-profit historical society.

Bytown Fire Brigade Museum Opens

The Brigade has lodged its collection in Station # 3 at Cumberland and Clarence (1987), Station # 6 at MacKay and Vaughan (1988) and purchased its current home in 1990 located at 1-2880 Sheffield Rd.

1987

2024

Community Engagement and Artifact Collection

The Bytown Fire Brigade Historical Society is actively involved in community events, parades, and educational programs. The Brigade celebrates the firefighting community through its collection of antique fire apparatus and artifacts.

The Founders

Wayne Cornell

John Carriere

George Potvin

Peter Ryan

The Formation and Impact of BFBHS

The Bytown Fire Brigade Historical Society, established in the early 1980s and incorporated in 1983, was created by local business leaders, professionals, and firefighters to preserve the fire heritage of Canada’s Capital Region. It boasts one of Canada’s largest collections of antique fire apparatus and opened the Bytown Fire Brigade Historical Society Museum in 1987. Despite challenges like the museum’s closure, the Brigade remained dedicated to preserving firefighting history through outreach and educational programs. This commitment honors the legacy and bravery of firefighters.

Our Board of Directors

Our Board Members atThe Bytown Fire Brigade Historical Society lead with passion and expertise.

Peter McBride

President

president@bytownfire.ca

Scott Stilborn

Treasurer

treasurer@bytownfire.ca

Patrick Nault

Secretary

secretary@bytownfire.ca

Kent Penney

Director

kentpenney@bytownfire.ca

Braeden Mullin

Director

braedenmullin@bytownfire.ca

Rocky Rockburn

Director

rockyrockburn@bytownfire.ca

Matthew Guay

Director

matthewguay@bytownfire.ca

Supporting Partners and Affiliations

At The Bytown Fire Brigade Historical Society, we understand the importance of collaboration and building strong partnerships to further our mission of preserving Canada’s firefighting heritage and promoting fire safety awareness. Through strategic alliances and affiliations with various organizations, we amplify our impact and extend our reach across communities.

Join Our Team of Volunteers

Ready to make a real impact? Join our team of passionate volunteers and be a part of positive change in your community. Together, we can make a difference that lasts.
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