Ontario Mine Rescue Joins Ontario Corps to Strengthen Emergency Response Network

The partnership, announced March 13 by the Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response, will allow Ontario Mine Rescue to contribute its specialized personnel, training and equipment to provincial emergency response operations.

“Ontario Mine Rescue has a proven track record in public safety and protection,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response. “As an Ontario Corps partner, they can provide the experienced personnel and rescue equipment we need to respond quickly and effectively when emergencies strike across the province, especially in rural and remote communities.”

Expanding Emergency Response Capacity

Ontario Mine Rescue operates a network of mine rescue stations across the province, equipped with specialized emergency response tools including rope rescue systems, structural collapse equipment, breathing apparatuses, thermal imaging technology and power tools.

Stations are located in Delaware, Kirkland Lake, Marathon, Onaping, Red Lake, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Timmins and Wawa, while additional equipment stored at 34 mining sites across Ontario can also be deployed during emergencies.

Provincial officials say integrating OMR into Ontario Corps will help ensure that trained personnel and advanced rescue equipment can be deployed quickly when emergencies occur.

Building a Province-Wide Volunteer Network

Ontario Corps was created to build a province-wide network of trained volunteers and partner organizations capable of responding rapidly to emergencies.

During a disaster or major emergency, Ontario Corps teams can deploy a range of resources, including:

• Flood barriers

• Debris removal equipment

• Emergency supplies

• Drones and other response tools

Residents from all professional backgrounds are encouraged to volunteer for Ontario Corps. Volunteers receive initial training and are matched with partner organizations based on their skills, interests and availability.

Long History of Mine Rescue Expertise

Ontario Mine Rescue has played a central role in emergency response within the province’s mining sector for more than 90 years.

The organization, part of Workplace Safety North, trains thousands of volunteers who respond to underground fires, mine rescues and other complex emergencies. Under Ontario law, every underground mine must maintain a mine rescue program.

Stephen Lecce, Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines, said the partnership strengthens Ontario’s emergency preparedness as the province expands mining development.

“Ontario Mine Rescue represents the very best of Northern Ontario — highly skilled professionals who sacrifice greatly to keep people safe,” Lecce said. “By bringing them into Ontario Corps, we’re strengthening our province’s emergency response capacity with proven expertise, specialized equipment and decades of real-world experience.”

Supporting Emergency Preparedness Across Ontario

Ontario Corps has already been deployed to assist communities during several major events in recent years, including the 2025 spring ice storm and wildland fire response.

The province is also building additional infrastructure to support emergency preparedness. In 2024, Ontario announced a partnership with Northern College in Timmins to establish a regional emergency response hub that could serve as a training and coordination centre for volunteers and partner organizations.

In addition, the province is planning a new Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters, which will serve as a 24-hour command centre equipped with advanced technology to coordinate emergency operations.

Shawn Rideout, Chief Mine Rescue Officer with Ontario Mine Rescue, said the partnership strengthens coordination among emergency response organizations.

“This partnership agreement with Ontario Corps strengthens that readiness by bringing together organizations that share a commitment to preparedness, teamwork and service,” Rideout said. “By collaborating and sharing our expertise, we are helping ensure Ontario has the capacity and coordination needed to respond effectively and support communities when they need it most.”

Provincial officials say expanding Ontario Corps partnerships will help ensure communities across the province — particularly in rural and northern regions — have access to trained personnel and critical emergency resources when disasters occur.

For more coverage on emergency preparedness, public safety and government policy across the province, follow GTA Today for the latest updates from Ontario and beyond.