MPP Dunlop Announces Ontario Increasing Local Emergency Preparedness in Simcoe North
Province investing in emergency equipment and training to protect communities
SIMCOE NORTH —The government is taking action to protect Ontario by investing almost $150,000.00 in Simcoe North to help prepare for and respond to emergencies. Funding is being delivered through the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant (CEPG), which strengthens emergency preparedness by helping communities improve their local resilience.
“As MPP for Simcoe North and Ontario’s Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response, I’m proud to see investments through the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant (CEPG) making a meaningful impact locally and across the province,” said Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North and Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response. “These funds are helping ensure communities are better equipped to prepare for and respond to emergencies, whether through modernized emergency operations centres or critical infrastructure like generators for warming centres. Our government remains committed to strengthening readiness at every level so we can better protect the people and communities we serve.”
“We are extremely grateful to be a recipient of the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant from the Province. These funds will be used to purchase portable air supported structures, which will significantly strengthen Tay Township’s ability to protect and support our residents during emergencies.” – Mayor Ted Walker, Township of Tay
“This funding is a major step forward for our emergency response capabilities across Tay Township, having direct impact on how we serve our community during critical incidents. These air supported structures will give responders a portable and secure operating space during emergencies such as ice water rescues, prolonged power outages, and winter storms, while most importantly increasing our capacity to safely support and shelter residents during extended emergencies.” – Fire Chief Shawn Aymer, Township of Tay
“On behalf of the Township of Ramara, I would like to thank the Province of Ontario and Minister
Dunlop for this important investment through the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant. This funding will strengthen our emergency response capabilities by improving communications across the municipality, helping to better protect residents, support first responders, and enhance overall community safety.” – Mayor Basil Clarke, Township of Ramara
"We are grateful for this funding, which will enhance how our emergency services operate across Ramara. The addition of a new digital receiver site with battery backup, along with improved radio coverage in underserviced areas, will allow our teams to communicate more reliably and efficiently during emergencies. This investment will provide clear communications, allow us to coordinate more effectively, and ultimately provide a higher level of safety to our firefighters and the community we serve.” – Fire Chief Tony Stong, Township of Ramara
“The funding through the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant allows the Township of Tiny to install permanent backup generators at the Lafontaine and Wyebridge Community Centres, which are designated in our Emergency Management Plan as key reception sites. The new generators will provide reliable, sustainable, and equitable access to warming and cooling centres in the event of an emergency across the township as our large geography can provide additional challenges for response.” – Director of Fire and Emergency Services/Fire Chief Dave Flewelling, Township of Tiny
“On behalf of the Township of Tiny, I would like to thank Hon. Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response and MPP for North Simcoe, for awarding Tiny with this Community Emergency Preparedness Grant opportunity that significantly improves our emergency preparedness and resilience as a municipality. The spring 2025 ice storm highlighted the need for the additional generators to power our community centres to ensure residents are able to access warming and cooling centres during outages. This grant allows us to provide permanent backup power to both the Lafontaine and Wyebridge Community Centres so that we can more easily provide assistance to the community.” – Mayor David Evans, Township of Tiny
QUICK FACTS
• The CEPG supports small- to medium-sized municipalities, local services boards, First Nations communities, Tribal Councils and Indigenous service organizations.
• Recipients were selected through a rigorous and competitive review process.
• Since the program launched in 2023, the province has invested $15 million to provide 342 recipients with grants.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
• Community Emergency Preparedness Grant
• Emergency preparedness
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Contact:
Jacqueline Bayley
Executive Assistant to MPP Jill Dunlop
Jacqueline.bayley@pc.ola.org / 249-385-624