KAWARTHA LAKES-The Ontario government says it is investing $5 million in communities across the province to help them prepare for and respond to emergencies. Funding is being delivered through the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant to help communities and organizations purchase critical supplies, equipment and deliver training and services.
“Through the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant, our government is stepping up to ensure Ontario is safe, practiced and prepared for any type of emergency,” said Caroline Mulroney, President of the Treasury Board and Minister responsible for Emergency Management. “From floods to wildland fires, these targeted investments will empower communities and organizations to enhance their emergency response. Whether it’s building up our local fire departments or enabling more efficient search and rescue operations, our government is giving communities the tools and resources they need to keep people safe.”
The funding is supporting 113 recipients across Ontario including municipalities, local services boards, First Nation communities, Tribal Councils, Indigenous service organizations and non-governmental organizations with mandates in emergency preparedness.
Recipients of the grant include:
Kawartha Region Conservation Authority will receive $35,584 to construct and install an all-season fully automated weather station at their Flood Operation Centre that collects daily data and provides flood forecasting and warning services. Staff training will also be provided.
Lower Trent Region Conservation Authority will receive almost $50,000 to replace eight precipitation gauges across the Lower Trent Conservation watershed to increase year-round coverage of precipitation data, and install three additional year-round, real-time data precipitation stations in currently unmonitored areas.
Almost $50,000 will go to the City of Peterborough to purchase new police equipment, including fire retardant suits, gas masks, and reflective vests, as well as cots and other supplies for its reception, cooling, warming and evacuation centres and shelters.
The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is receiving $50,000 to improve access to emergency pet food, supplies and transport carriers in northern Ontario during emergencies.
“We are grateful to the Ontario Government for their support through the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant. With their partnership, we are better equipped to support and care for our furry companions and their families when they need it most.” said Arista Wogenstahl, Northern Regional Manager, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.
The Community Emergency Preparedness Grant is part of the $110 million the government earmarked over the next three years to strengthen emergency preparedness in Ontario. The province will continue to make substantial investments and expand training programs to support Ontario’s whole-of-government approach to emergency management and response
On May 7-9, 2024, the province will host Exercise Heatwave, a simulated heat-related emergency taking place with participating municipalities that will practise response procedures working in partnership with others.
