in Chatsworth, Grey Highlands, Southgate, West Grey
May 17, 2024
The provincial government is investing in local communities across Ontario to help them prepare and respond to natural disasters and emergencies. The new Community Emergency Preparedness Grant is part of the $110 million the government has earmarked over the next three years to strengthen emergency preparedness in Ontario.
"This local investment of $116,482 to successful applicants in Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound will help with the purchase of supplies, equipment and training," said MPP Rick Byers. "The province will continue to make substantial investments and expand training programs for emergency management."
The following communities plan to use this funding to purchase thermal drone equipment and training:
“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 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.
"We are grateful to the Ontario Government for their support through the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant,” said Owen Sound Mayor Ian Boddy. “With their partnership, we can continue to keep Owen Sound citizens safe.”
"The Municipality of Arran-Elderslie is very appreciative of this grant for a thermal imaging drone, as it will greatly enhance our emergency preparedness response in the event of either a natural disaster or emergency within our Municipality," said Mayor Steve Hammell. "We look forward to our firefighters starting their training on this new piece of equipment in order to further serve our community".
"We're incredibly grateful to the province of Ontario for their ongoing support in our efforts to enhance emergency management," stated Mayor Milt McIver. "The grant we've received allows us to invest in drones, improving our response times and enabling us to monitor areas of fire risk more effectively. This support means a safer community for all of us."
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