Province Welcomes Niagara College to Ontario Corps

WELLAND — The Ontario government is expanding Ontario Corps by welcoming its latest partner Niagara College to help before, during and after emergencies. Through Ontario Corps, the province is delivering on its plan to protect Ontario by creating a network of partners and dedicated volunteers ready to respond to local emergencies and deploy critical resources at a moment’s notice.

“Our partnership with Niagara College is focused on growth for our Ontario Corps volunteers,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response. “Making sure we have volunteers ready to answer the call across province means we can act quickly to help communities when needed.”

Through the partnership, Niagara College will encourage its students, staff and faculty to join Ontario Corps and it will participate in information sessions, community engagement initiatives and activities that strengthen emergency preparedness. As a leader in emergency management, Niagara College will also share institutional expertise and best practices relevant to emergency preparedness and community resilience.

The Ontario Corps network can be mobilized within 24 to 72 hours to help communities hit hard by emergencies, deploying resources such as personnel, debris removal tools, supplies, flood barriers and drones.

People of all skill levels and professional backgrounds are encouraged to volunteer for Ontario Corps. Volunteers will be provided with training and matched with partner organizations based on their skill levels, interests and availability.

Quick Facts

• Ontario Corps was successfully deployed on several occasions, including during the 2026 spring flooding and the 2025 ice storm and wildland fire response.

• Niagara College joins Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario, The Home Depot Canada, Labatt Breweries of Canada, Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Ontario Mine Rescue, Ontario Road Builders’ Association and Uber Canada as Ontario Corps’ latest partners.

• A new, state-of-the-art Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters will serve as the future home of Ontario Corps. This facility will be equipped with cutting-edge technology needed to protect Ontario as the 24/7, year-round emergency command centre.

• Niagara College of Applied Arts and Technology is one of Ontario’s leading colleges specializing in applied education, workforce development, and applied research. It offers more than 130 diploma, degree and advanced-level programs, as well as almost 1,950 course offerings, 350 continuing education courses and 18 part-time programs. Niagara College hosts more than 10,000 full-time students annually at its campuses in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake, employing more than 600 staff and faculty members.

Quotes

"Ontario’s colleges are preparing students to support and strengthen our communities, no matter what we face. Through this partnership between Niagara College and Ontario Corps, our government is ensuring that students, staff, and faculty gain the practical skills and knowledge they need to effectively respond to emergencies and protect Ontario."

- Nolan Quinn

Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security

"As the first post-secondary institution to partner with Ontario Corps, Niagara College is pleased to expand meaningful opportunities for students to make a difference in the communities they serve. This partnership builds on Niagara College’s expertise in emergency management and gives our students, who are already making a meaningful impact across Niagara, another way to step forward when their community needs them most."

- Sean Kennedy

President, Niagara College

Additional Resources

• Ontario Corps

MEDIA CONTACT                                                                                              

Stephen Lecce, MPP for King—Vaughan

Constituency Office

Tel.: 647-560-9700        

Email: Stephen.Lecce@pc.ola.org