Ontario Investing in Local Emergency Preparedness and Response

The Ontario government is investing $5 million in communities across the province to help them prepare for and respond to emergencies. Funding is being delivered through the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant to help communities and organizations purchase critical supplies, equipment and deliver training and services.

“Through the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant, our government is stepping up to ensure Ontario is safe, practiced and prepared for any type of emergency,” said Caroline Mulroney, President of the Treasury Board and Minister responsible for Emergency Management. “From floods to wildland fires, these targeted investments will empower communities and organizations to enhance their emergency response. Whether it’s building up our local fire departments or enabling more efficient search and rescue operations, our government is giving communities the tools and resources they need to keep people safe.”

The funding is supporting 113 recipients across Ontario including municipalities, local services boards, First Nation communities, Tribal Councils, Indigenous service organizations and non-governmental organizations with mandates in emergency preparedness.

Recipients of the grant include:

• The Township of Adelaide Metcalfe is receiving $15,600 to purchase a thermal imaging drone, making it safer and more efficient to conduct search and rescue missions during severe weather events.
• Bimose Tribal Council is receiving $43,467 to establish an emergency operations centre for their 10 First Nation member communities, which will house air purifiers, first aid kits, sleep kits, backpacks and other emergency equipment.
• The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is receiving $50,000 to improve access to emergency pet food, supplies and transport carriers in northern Ontario during emergencies.
• The Rosemont District Fire Department is receiving $22,206 to purchase firefighting equipment including a hose, nozzles, forestry pump, collapsible water backpack, hand pumps, a drone and a radio system.

The Community Emergency Preparedness Grant is part of the $110 million the government earmarked over the next three years to strengthen emergency preparedness in Ontario. The province will continue to make substantial investments and expand training programs to support Ontario’s whole-of-government approach to emergency management and response.