Ontario Strengthening Local Emergency Preparedness
Province launching $5 million Community Emergency Preparedness Grant
The Ontario government is expanding local support for emergency readiness by launching a fourth round of applications for the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant (CEPG). This $5 million investment helps communities purchase essential equipment and deliver training to better prepare for emergencies. This brings the total investment in the CEPG to $20 million over four years.
“As Ontario’s emergency landscape evolves, including a more challenging wildland fire season this year, our government is sparing no expense to give communities the tools they need to prepare for and respond to emergencies,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response. “Strengthening local emergency preparedness ensures communities across Ontario can stay safe, resilient and ready for any future challenges.”
CEPG funding will continue to be tailored to the unique needs and local priorities of each community and may be used to purchase critical emergency management equipment including generators, sandbagging machines, thermal imaging drones and radio systems. Funding can also be invested in modernizing emergency operations centres, delivering emergency management training, conducting exercises and coordinating awareness initiatives.
For example, the Township of Adjala-Tosorontio received $50,000 to strengthen its fire department’s resources by purchasing two portable pumps, a wildland forestry hose, chainsaws, portable radios and other equipment.
Applications will be accepted from August 19, 2026, to October 7, 2026, 4:00 p.m. ET.
Quick Facts
- Eligible applicants must be located in Ontario and include:
- Upper, lower and single-tier municipalities with a population under 100,000 people (based on Statistics Canada data from 2021);
- Local Services Boards, established under the Northern Services Boards Act;
- Indigenous Communities including First Nations, Inuit or Metis communities;
- Indigenous organizations, including Tribal Councils and other Indigenous service organizations, that support emergency management programming;
- Fire protection service providers in territories without municipal organization in accordance with the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997.
- Already, 342 recipients including municipalities, First Nations, and community organizations have benefitted from the grant.
- Past recipients of the grant will continue to be ineligible, allowing other communities and organizations to benefit from this program.
- Applicants must have an ontario.ca login and register for Transfer Payment Ontario.
The province is hosting an information session to help guide applicants through the application process. Participants must register in advance if they are interested in attending.
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