On Monday, the Hon. Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response joined David Piccini, MPP for Northumberland–Peterborough South to see the impact of the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant (CEPG) funding in protecting our local communities.
The Ontario Government took action to protect the province by an investment of $120,094 in the County of Northumberland, Otonabee-South Monaghan, and Hiawatha First Nation to prepare for and respond to emergencies. The funding is delivered through the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant, which strengthens emergency preparedness by funding local emergency management training, purchasing critical equipment, and improving infrastructure to make communities more resilient.
“Our government is making crucial investments to better protect our local communities.” said David Piccini, Member of Provincial Parliament, Northumberland-Peterborough South. “It is incredible to see firsthand how funding through the CEPG is providing First Nations communities and municipalities with the tools, equipment, and training they need to respond to emergencies effectively.”
The Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan received a $35,969 grant to purchase a drone and related equipment to help acquire real time data to respond to risks of flooding in the Township.
“The Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan is grateful for the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant (CEPG) funding that enabled us to purchase a drone to support emergency management operations.” said Joe Taylor, Mayor of Otonabee South-Monaghan.
“This equipment will strengthen situational awareness during incidents, help us assess conditions more safely and efficiently, and improve our ability to coordinate response efforts. We thank the Province of Ontario for this investment in local preparedness and community resilience.”
Otonabee South Monaghan Fire Chief, Chuck Parsons provided a demonstration of the drone and explained how the drone will enhance support in emergency preparedness. “This technology will enhance the Fire Department’s ability to monitor conditions, support informed decision-making, and strengthen the Township’s overall emergency preparedness and response capabilities.”
Northumberland County received $50,000 to purchase generators and supporting equipment for the County Works Yard. Additional training will be delivered to ensure safe operation of the new equipment.
“Northumberland County is grateful to the Province of Ontario and Emergency Management Ontario for supporting our community through the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant,” said Warden Bob Crate. “This investment helped us install two standby generators at our Public Works yard in Cobourg, ensuring our operations can continue during power outages and other emergencies. Reliable infrastructure is essential to keeping our roads safe and services running when community members need them most. On behalf of County Council, I want to thank the Minister of Emergency Preparedness, Jill Dunlop, and Minister David Piccini for their support in helping Northumberland County stay prepared and resilient.”
Additionally, Hiawatha First Nation used their $34,125 grant to purchase generators and emergency kits. The funding was also used to create public education materials, conduct emergency management training and exercises to better prepare for emergencies.
“Through the support of the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant, Hiawatha First Nation has significantly strengthened our level of emergency preparedness for our First Nation and Citizens,” said Laurie Carr, Chief of Hiawatha First Nation. “This funding has supported access to essential training and resources that enhance our ability to respond effectively in times of emergency. A key outcome of this project was the development and distribution of My Emergency Preparedness Book to every household in Hiawatha First Nation and share virtually to all our Citizens regardless of where they reside. This guide will assist our Citizens in preparing for future emergencies.”
“A safe and prepared Ontario comes when communities and organizations have the resources they need to respond efficiently and effectively in times of crisis,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response. “I saw first-hand, during the recent ice storms, how our community and the entire province is stronger when we have the capacity to come together to support each other and respond quickly when disaster strikes.”
In 2025, 114 recipients received funding through the 2024-25 Community Emergency Preparedness Grant (CEPG) to help them purchase critical equipment and deliver emergency management training to increase local emergency readiness.
In addition to the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant, the Ontario government announced that it is building a new Ontario Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters that will support public safety and disaster response measures, including Ontario Corps.
Quick Facts
• The CEPG grant supports municipalities, local services boards, First Nations communities, Tribal Councils, Indigenous service organizations and non-governmental organizations with mandates or responsibilities in emergency preparedness.
• Recipients were selected through a rigorous and competitive review process.
• In 2024, 113 recipients received the 2023-24 Community Emergency Preparedness Grant
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
