Hydrant Heroes

Goal: Help keep our community safe by shoveling out fire hydrants after snowfall.
Prize: Shovel out 5 unique hydrants and receive a Fire Department toque (while supplies last).

1) Eligibility

• Ages: 3+ (participants under 13 must have a parent/guardian submit on their behalf).

• Must live in Mapleton, Minto or Wellington North.

• One toque per qualifying participant while supplies last.

2) Contest Period

• Start: Jan 2, 2026

• End: April 1, 2026 or when snow season ends / supplies run out.

• Submissions must be received by toque mail out dates:

  • Feb 2, 2026

  • Mar 2, 2026

  • Apr 1, 2026

3) How to Participate

For each hydrant you shovel, submit an entry with the following:

1. Two photos per hydrant:

   • Before: Hydrant covered/blocked with snow (taken immediately prior to shoveling).

   • After: Hydrant fully cleared (360° around base, 1–2 ft clearance, path from street/sidewalk if applicable), back far enough to see context. Tip: Keep photos clear, include the hydrant and surrounding context (street sign, house number) to help verification.

2. Location details:

   • Street address or nearest intersection (e.g., “123 Main St, NW corner at First Ave”).

3. Date & time the hydrant was shoveled.

4. Participant’s name & age (and guardian’s name/contact if under 18).
    

4) Submission method (choose one):

• Online Form: https://forms.gle/Nxmx642aSHaJ5kcZA

• Email: c.loos@mintofiredept.on.ca with subject “Hydrant Heroes – [Participant Name]”
   

5) Preventing Duplicate Photos & Fraud (Verification Rules)

To keep it fair and safe, duplicate submissions are not allowed. We verify entries using these checks:

• Unique Location: Each hydrant must be at a different address/intersection or have the same hydrant cleared on different days throughout the season.

• Photo Pair Requirement: Each entry must include a before and after photo taken the same day.

• Context in Photos: Photos should show surrounding features (e.g., house number, street sign, landmarks) so we can confirm location and uniqueness.

• No Reuse: The same photo cannot be used for multiple hydrants or multiple entrants. Submissions with matching or near-identical images (visual match, timestamps, framing) will be rejected.

• Adult supervision is required for participants under 13; recommended for all minors.

• Wear bright/reflective clothing and appropriate winter boots/gloves.

• Stay off the roadway and be alert to traffic and plows; never block sightlines.

• Use proper shovel technique—lift with legs, take breaks, avoid overexertion.

• Do not climb on snowbanks or use metal tools that could damage the hydrant.

• If a hydrant is buried by plow banks or ice beyond safe removal, stop and choose another hydrant.

• Do not operate, open, or tamper with hydrants or valves under any circumstance.

• In an emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately.

 

6) Prize Details

• Reward: One Fire Department toque per participant after 5 unique hydrants.

• Limits: Maximum one toque per participant for the season (while supplies last).

• The Fire Department reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal value if stock runs out.
   

7) Photo & Privacy Consent

By submitting, you (and your guardian if under 18):

• Grant the Fire Department permission to use submitted photos, participant first name/age, and general location (e.g., neighborhood, intersection) in public education, social media, and community reports.

• Understand photos may be stored for verification and record-keeping.

• Can withdraw consent for future use by contacting Callise Loos (this does not affect already published materials).

• The department’s decisions on eligibility, safety, verification, and prizes are final.
   

8) Conduct & Disqualification

• Be respectful of neighbours’ property. Do not trespass or obstruct driveways/walkways.
   

9) No Purchase Necessary

Participation is free. Subject to municipal bylaws and weather conditions.