Lakeshore Launches AED Subsidy Program

New funding will help increase access to life-saving defibrillators across the municipality

By Municipality of Lakeshore - Jul 08, 2026

The Municipality of Lakeshore is helping to make life saving equipment more accessible through its new Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Subsidy Program.

Approved by Council at the April 14, 2026 Regular Meeting, the program provides eligible service clubs and community organizations with up to 75 percent reimbursement toward the purchase of a publicly accessible AED. Council approved $10,000 of funding for the program in 2026, and subsidies will be available on a first come, first served basis. The subsidy is limited to one eligible installation per property.

"Council is proud to support a program that is designed to help make our communities safer. Increasing the number of publicly available AEDs means more people can respond during a cardiac emergency when every second counts. By partnering with local organizations and service clubs, we are helping to bring these life saving devices to more places throughout Lakeshore," said Mayor Tracey Bailey.

The program was introduced to help improve access to AEDs across the municipality, particularly in rural areas where emergency response times may be longer. To qualify for the subsidy, organizations must have a suitable AED location that is available to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Local community organizations, such as non-profits and service clubs, must first complete the AED Subsidy intake form online to determine eligibility and arrange a site visit with Lakeshore Fire Rescue Services.

Organizations can learn more about the program, eligibility requirements, and the application process by visiting Lakeshore’s AED Subsidy Program page at Lakeshore.ca/AED.

"Cardiac arrest incidents can happen anywhere at any time, and we know that the use of an AED can mean the difference between life and death. Kudos to the Municipality of Lakeshore for investing in improved access to these lifesaving devices," added Essex-Windsor EMS Chief Justin Lammers.

Background

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable device that can help restore a normal heart rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest.
In Canada, someone experiences sudden cardiac arrest approximately every nine minutes.
Using an AED within the first few minutes of cardiac arrest can dramatically improve a person's chance of survival. When used within the first minute, survival rates can be as high as 90 percent.
To learn more about AEDs and locations throughout Windsor-Essex, please visit the County of Essex AED information page.