The Ontario government is investing $10 million in emergency preparedness grants to enhance the capabilities of Ontario Corps partners across the province. This funding is aimed at ensuring communities have rapid access to critical emergency resources such as flood barriers, debris removal tools, drones, and machinery, allowing for swift deployment during local crises.
Thirteen partner organizations have joined Ontario Corps so far, with more expected to be added. These partners include a diverse range of emergency support providers such as Feed Ontario, GlobalMedic, The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex, and the Ontario Search and Rescue Volunteer Association. Their involvement strengthens the province’s coordinated emergency response infrastructure.
Ontario Corps functions as a province-wide network of trained professionals and volunteers, ready to be mobilized quickly during emergencies. Grant recipients have already used funds to acquire vital equipment like satellite phones, GPS units, emergency food kits, portable shelters, canteen trucks, and have also trained volunteers in drone operations to support emergency logistics.
Earlier in 2025, Ontario Corps partners played a crucial role during an ice storm, volunteering over 6,000 hours. Their efforts included clearing trees, managing evacuation centers, distributing over 3,700 meals and food hampers, and conducting more than 4,100 wellness checks. The Ontario Corps was officially launched by Premier Doug Ford on December 13, 2024, and has since become central to the province’s emergency response framework.
Resource coordination and deployment for Ontario Corps is managed by the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC), which activates assistance at the request of municipalities or First Nations communities. The Corps is capable of delivering specialized support anywhere in Ontario within 24 to 72 hours.
In May 2025, the Ontario government reintroduced the Emergency Management Modernization Act (EMMA) to improve public safety and disaster response systems. This legislation reinforces Ontario Corps as a critical tool for emergency preparedness and rapid deployment across the province.
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