Ontario Invests $5 Million to Strengthen Local Emergency Preparedness
Orillia, ON — As Ontario marks Emergency Preparedness Week, the province is investing an additional $5 million to help municipalities, First Nations, and local organizations improve their readiness for natural disasters and emergencies.
The funding comes through the 2024–25 Community Emergency Preparedness Grant and is part of a broader $110 million provincial strategy to enhance emergency response capacity over the next three years. This year, 114 recipients will benefit, including the City of Orillia, which will receive $50,000 for new flood response equipment, including a drone, trailers, and an open pump.
“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.”
The announcement highlights the importance of proactive emergency planning, especially following extreme weather events like the recent ice storms that impacted many parts of the province.
Orillia Mayor Don McIsaac praised the grant’s impact, stating, “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.”
The Community Emergency Preparedness Grant supports local training, equipment purchases, and infrastructure improvements for municipalities, First Nations communities, Tribal Councils, and emergency-focused NGOs.
Rama Fire Chief Jeremy Parkin, representing the Chippewas of Rama First Nation, said the funding will make a tangible difference: “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.”
As part of Emergency Preparedness Week (May 4–10), Ontario is urging residents to build emergency kits, create household response plans, and stay informed during emergencies. A new Ontario Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters is also under development to support public safety and the Ontario Corps.
For more information and resources, visit Ontario.ca/BePrepared.
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