MPP Clark: Ontario Boosting Local Emergency Preparedness in Rideau Lakes

Province investing additional $5 million to protect communities and improve local emergency response capabilities

Brockville — The Ontario government is taking action to protect residents of the province by investing $28,724 in the Township of Rideau Lakes to help prepare for and respond to emergencies, Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, announced today.

Funding is being delivered through the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant, which strengthens emergency preparedness by funding local emergency management training, purchasing critical equipment, and improving infrastructure to make communities more resilient.

“I’m pleased to share this great news during Emergency Preparedness Week in Ontario, when each of us should take time to reflect and ensure we’re ready to respond to an emergency situation or crisis,” said MPP Clark. “This investment in Rideau Lakes through the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant is another example of our government’s commitment to protect Ontario.”

Rideau Lakes will use this funding to purchase a standby generator for its fire hall, which serves as the municipality’s emergency operations centre.

“A safe and prepared Ontario comes when communities and organizations have the resources they need to respond efficiently and effectively in times of crisis,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response. “During the recent ice storms, I saw firsthand how our community and the entire province are stronger when we can come together to support each other and respond quickly when disaster strikes.”

This year, 114 recipients are receiving funding through the 2024-25 Community Emergency Preparedness Grant (CEPG) to help them purchase critical equipment and deliver emergency management training to increase local emergency readiness.

In addition to the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant, the Ontario government recently announced that it is building a new Ontario Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters that will support public safety and disaster response measures, including Ontario Corps.

QUICK FACTS:

• The CEPG grant supports municipalities, local services boards, First Nations communities, Tribal Councils, Indigenous service organizations and non-governmental organizations with mandates or responsibilities in emergency preparedness.
• Recipients were selected through a rigorous and competitive review process.
• Last year, 113 recipients received the 2023-24 Community Emergency Preparedness Grant.