Ontario Boosting Local Emergency Preparedness

ORILLIA — The Ontario government is taking action to protect the province by investing an additional $5 million to help communities prepare for and respond to emergencies. The Community Emergency Preparedness Grant strengthens emergency preparedness by funding local training, purchasing critical equipment, and improving infrastructure to make communities more resilient.

“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.”

This year, 114 recipients across the province are receiving funding through the 2024-25 Community Emergency Preparedness Grant including the City of Orillia, which is receiving $50,000 to purchase a drone, trailers and an open pump to address potential flooding challenges in the area.

“Our recent ice storm was a powerful reminder of how essential it is to be prepared for emergencies,” said Orillia Mayor Don McIsaac. “I want to thank the Province of Ontario for their strong support during that time and for this meaningful investment through the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant. The funding will help the City of Orillia strengthen our emergency response capabilities with new equipment that will enhance our ability to act quickly when it matters most.”

Emergency Preparedness Week runs from May 4th - 10th, which is why the province is reminding everyone to:

• Make an emergency plan that considers the needs of everyone in your household;

• Build an emergency preparedness kit with enough non-perishable food, water and essentials to stay self-sufficient for up to 3 days;

• Stay informed should an emergency occur by having a portable, battery-operated or crank radio in your emergency kit in case of power outages.

In addition to the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant, the Ontario government recently 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 Community Emergency Preparedness Grant is part of the $110 million the government is earmarking over three years to strengthen emergency preparedness in Ontario.

• The 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.

• The Ontario government has also released its second annual report on the Provincial Emergency Management Strategy and Action Plan.

• The report outlines key emergency management actions and efforts to protect Ontario and to ensure communities are resilient, ready and strong in the face of emergencies.

• For more helpful tips about keeping safe, visit Ontario.ca/BePrepared.

  
  

Quotes

"We sincerely thank the Ontario government for this important funding. The new sandbagging machine and 72-hour kits will greatly improve our emergency readiness and ensure we’re better equipped to support and protect our community in times of need. "

- Jeremy Parkin

Rama Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Services, Chippewas of Rama First Nation

Additional Resources

• Community Emergency Preparedness Grant

• Emergency Preparedness Week

• Provincial Emergency Management Strategy and Action Plan 2024 Annual Report

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