Ontario Invests $10 Million in Emergency Response Grants Through Ontario Corps

Province expands disaster readiness with 13 new partner organizations, improved equipment, and faster response capabilities

TORONTO – The Ontario government is boosting the province’s emergency preparedness with a $10 million investment in grants for Ontario Corps partners, aiming to deploy help faster and more effectively during natural disasters and local crises.

Announced by Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response Jill Dunlop, the funding will support 13 new Ontario Corps partner organizations and enhance community-level response tools — from flood barriers to canteen trucks and emergency food kits.

“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is protecting Ontario from all threats – from wildland fires to flooding, ice storms or whatever else may come our way,” said Dunlop. “We’re investing in made-in-Ontario solutions to support local emergency responders as soon as we’re needed.”

Strengthening Emergency Readiness Province-Wide

Ontario Corps, launched in December 2024, now brings together a province-wide network of highly trained volunteers, not-for-profit organizations, and Indigenous-led service providers. These partners can be mobilized quickly — often within 24 to 72 hours — through the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC) when requested by municipalities or First Nations communities.

Participating organizations have already used past grants to acquire drones, satellite phones, GPS units, canteen trucks, and trauma-informed volunteer training to better serve vulnerable populations.

During this year’s ice storm, Ontario Corps partners logged more than 6,000 volunteer hours, delivered over 3,700 meals and food hampers, conducted more than 4,100 wellness checks, and supported critical operations like tree clearing and evacuation centre staffing.

A Broad Network of Support

The 13 new Ontario Corps partners receiving grants include:

• Attachment and Trauma Treatment Centre for Healing (ATTCH) Niagara

• Feed Ontario

• GlobalMedic

• Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex

• Independent First Nations Alliance

• St. John Ambulance

• Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC)

• Kenora Chiefs Advisory – Ogimaawabiitong

• Ontario Search and Rescue Volunteer Association (OSARVA)

• Ontario 211 Services

• Radio Amateurs of Canada

• The Salvation Army

• Team Rubicon Canada

Each brings specialized capabilities — from trauma support and emergency food distribution to amateur radio communication and culturally safe Indigenous-led responses.

“This collaboration has deepened our ties with other emergency response organizations,” said Major Rick Zelinsky of The Salvation Army. “Together, we ensure timely, compassionate support for Ontarians when needed most.”

Modernizing Ontario’s Emergency Management

This investment follows the re-introduction of the Emergency Management Modernization Act (EMMA) in May 2025, which formalized Ontario Corps as a critical part of the province’s emergency response structure.

Through EMMA and this latest grant round, Ontario aims to build a more resilient emergency management system equipped to handle wildfires, floods, ice storms, and other climate-related threats.

“Friendship Centres have been delivering frontline emergency services to Indigenous communities across Ontario for decades,” said Sean Longboat, Executive Director of the OFIFC. “We’re glad to see the government recognize this longstanding work.”

How to Get Involved

Ontario residents and organizations interested in volunteering with Ontario Corps can apply through the Ontario Corps Volunteer Registration Portal.

With increased funding, growing partnerships, and new legislation in place, the Ontario government says it is doubling down on its commitment to protect lives, property, and livelihoods in every corner of the province.

Follow GTA Today on social media for more local news and updates. #GTAToday