Province Investing More Than $6.5 Million to Strengthen Ontario Corps

Funding is part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario by ensuring Ontario Corps partners have the tools and training needed to respond to emergencies and natural disasters

The Ontario government is investing more than $6.5 million in emergency preparedness grants to strengthen the response capabilities of Ontario Corps partners across the province and ensure they can get boots on the ground quickly when emergencies and natural disasters strike. Funding is being allocated to 13 Ontario Corps partners to support equipment, supplies and training as part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario communities and ensure critical resources can be deployed at a moment’s notice to keep residents safe.

“We are delivering on our plan to protect Ontario by bringing together Ontario Corps partners, skilled professionals, trained volunteers and equipment that can be deployed quickly when emergencies occur,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response. “These partners support Ontarians who answer the call to help communities in their moment of need.”

To date, the province has invested $21.5 million in Ontario Corps partners. Through these investments, the province has secured equipment such as debris removal tools and machinery, flood barriers, drones, mobile emergency shelters, food boxes and food trucks, personal protective equipment and other supplies. Equipment can be deployed within 24 to 72 hours after an emergency occurs. Partners will also conduct training to ensure they have the knowledge and skills needed to respond quickly and effectively.

The Ontario Corps partners receiving funding are 211 Ontario, Attachment and Trauma Treatment Centre for Healing (ATTCH) Niagara, Feed Ontario, GlobalMedic, Habitat for Humanity, Independent First Nations Alliance, Kenora Chiefs Advisory – Ogimaawabiitong, Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres, Ontario Search and Rescue Volunteer Association, Radio Amateurs of Canada, St. John Ambulance, The Salvation Army Canada and Team Rubicon Canada.

The announcement was made today to kick off Emergency Preparedness Week, a national week of significance that runs from May 3-9, 2026, to bring awareness to the actions people can take to be prepared for emergencies. Ontarians are reminded to:

• Make an emergency plan that considers the needs of everyone in your household;
• Build an emergency preparedness kit with enough non-perishable food, water and essentials to stay self-sufficient for up to three days;
• Stay informed should an emergency occur by having a portable, battery-operated or crank radio in your emergency kit in case of power outages.

For more helpful tips about keeping safe, visit Ontario.ca/BePrepared.

Quick Facts

• Ontario Corps answered the call of the Township of Minden Hills, the Township of Whitewater Region, the Township of Chapleau, the Town of French River and the City of Greater Sudbury to help fill and place sandbags and deliver support at a reception centre during spring flooding.
• To further increase emergency capabilities across the province, additional partners have recently joined Ontario Corps including Labatt Breweries of Canada, Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Ontario Mine Rescue and Ontario Road Builders’ Association. More partners are expected to join in the coming months.
• People of all skill levels and professional backgrounds are encouraged to answer the call and volunteer for Ontario Corps to help their communities during emergencies. Volunteers are provided with training and matched with partner organizations based on their skill levels, interests and availability.
• Ontario Corps resources are coordinated and deployed by the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC). 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.