The Ontario government is investing $100,000 to strengthen emergency preparedness in two Bruce County communities.
The funding is being delivered through the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant (CEPG), a program designed to help communities enhance their emergency response capabilities by supporting local training, purchasing essential equipment, and improving infrastructure.
The funding will support two projects in the region. The Town of South Bruce Peninsula will receive $50,000 to assist with purchasing a trailer and firefighting equipment for wildland fire response in Wiarton and the surrounding area. Meanwhile, Saugeen First Nation #29 will receive $50,000 to purchase a backup generator for the community’s emergency warming centre.
“Community emergency response is critically important, now more than ever,” said Bruce Grey Owen Sound MPP Paul Vickers. “These critical infrastructure investments will help make sure our communities are prepared for winter storms and wildfires, two issues that have dominated weather headlines in our province in recent years.”
Ontario Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response Jill Dunlop emphasized the importance of equipping communities to respond effectively in times of crisis.
“A safe and prepared Ontario comes when communities and organizations have the resources they need to respond efficiently and effectively in times of crisis,” Dunlop said. “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.”
Local officials in South Bruce Peninsula welcomed the funding.
“The conditions contributing to wildfires are becoming more severe each year," Fire Chief Tim Wilson noted. "Provincial support is allowing us to upgrade our tools and training so we can respond more effectively and work closely with other municipal and First Nations fire services to protect the region.”
Mayor Jay Kirkland also highlighted the importance of the project
“With limited evacuation routes on the Bruce Peninsula and rising wildfire risk, this project is essential," Kirkland added. "The funding will strengthen our response and help us support neighbouring communities. We thank the province for their support in allowing us to invest in equipment and training.”
This year, 114 recipients are receiving funding through the 2024-25 Community Emergency Preparedness Grant to help them purchase critical equipment and deliver emergency management training, increasing local emergency readiness across Ontario.