Ontario Boosting Local Emergency Preparedness in Thunder Bay and Region
June 2, 2025
Province investing additional $5 million to protect communities and improve emergency response capabilities
June 02, 2025
Thunder Bay —The Ontario government is taking action to protect the province by investing $296,149 in seven community-led projects across the Thunder Bay region to prepare for and respond to emergencies. 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 see these strategic investments coming to communities across our region to help strengthen our emergency preparedness,” said The Hon. Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay – Atikokan. “Having the right tools, training, and infrastructure in place ensures we are ready to respond when emergencies happen. I want to thank Minister Dunlop for supporting our communities in building a safer and more resilient Ontario.”
- Municipality of Shuniah, which is receiving $50,000 to purchase and install generators for their firehalls, ensuring residents can shelter and access power during outages and storms.
- Township of Red Rock, which is receiving $50,000 purchase a generator, automatic transfer switch and radio equipment to allow the fire department to efficiently respond to emergencies.
- Township of Schreiber, which is receiving $16,540 Purchase sandbags and chainsaws to assist in flood mitigation and cleanup.
- Local Services Board of Lappe & Area, which is receiving $49,086 to purchase communications and rescue equipment including a rapid deployment craft to support air and water rescues.
- Municipality of Gillies, which is receiving $50,000 to purchase portable suitcase generators, trash pumps, radios, a weatherproof Sea Can, 72-hour emergency preparedness kits and emergency preparedness educational materials.
- Pass Lake Volunteer Fire Protection Team Inc., which is receiving $30,523 to purchase a generator, radio equipment and information cards for the community.
- Whitesand First Nation, which is receiving $50,000 to purchase and install backup generators to power the multi-plex, gas bar and band office during emergencies.
“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. “I saw first-hand, during the recent ice storms, how our community and the entire province is stronger when we have the capacity to 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.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES