Local Emergency Preparedness Gets a Boost in Northumberland

On Monday, the Hon. Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response, met with David Piccini, MPP for Northumberland-Peterborough South, to see how the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant (CEPG) funding is helping protect our local communities.

The Ontario Government has invested $120,094 in the County of Northumberland, Otonabee-South Monaghan, and Hiawatha First Nation to help prepare for and respond to emergencies. This funding comes through the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant, which enhances emergency preparedness by supporting local emergency management training, acquiring essential equipment, and improving infrastructure to make communities more resilient.

“Our government is making essential investments to better protect our local communities,” said David Piccini, Member of Provincial Parliament for Northumberland-Peterborough South. “It’s amazing to see firsthand how funding from the CEPG is equipping First Nations communities and municipalities with the resources they need to handle emergencies effectively.”

The Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan received a grant of $35,969 to buy a drone and related equipment that will provide real-time data for responding to flooding risks in the area.

“The Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan appreciates the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant (CEPG) funding that allowed us to purchase a drone for emergency management operations,” said Joe Taylor, Mayor of Otonabee South-Monaghan.

“This equipment will improve situational awareness during incidents, help us evaluate conditions more safely and efficiently, and enhance our ability to coordinate response efforts. We thank the Province of Ontario for this investment in local readiness and community resilience.”

Otonabee South Monaghan Fire Chief Chuck Parsons demonstrated how the drone will aid emergency preparedness efforts. “This technology will boost the Fire Department’s ability to monitor conditions closely, support informed decision-making, and enhance our overall emergency preparedness and response capabilities,” he explained.

Northumberland County received $50,000 for purchasing generators and supporting equipment at their County Works Yard. Additional training will be provided to ensure safe use of this new equipment.

“Northumberland County is thankful to the Province of Ontario and Emergency Management Ontario for their support through the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant,” said Warden Bob Crate. “This funding enabled us to install two standby generators at our Public Works yard in Cobourg so we can keep operating during power outages or other emergencies. Reliable infrastructure is vital for maintaining road safety and services when community members rely on them most. On behalf of County Council, I want to express my gratitude to Minister Jill Dunlop and Minister David Piccini for their assistance in keeping Northumberland County prepared and resilient.”

Furthermore, Hiawatha First Nation utilized their $34,125 grant towards buying generators as well as emergency kits. The funds were also used for creating public education materials along with conducting emergency management training exercises aimed at better preparing everyone for emergencies.

“Thanks to support from the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant, Hiawatha First Nation has greatly improved our level of emergency preparedness for our community members,” stated Laurie Carr, Chief of Hiawatha First Nation. “This funding has provided access to critical training and resources that strengthen our ability to respond effectively during emergencies. A significant outcome was developing My Emergency Preparedness Book which was distributed virtually along with physical copies delivered directly into every household within Hiawatha First Nation regardless where they live. This guide will assist residents in getting ready for future emergencies.”

“A safe and prepared Ontario relies on communities having access to necessary resources that allow them quick responses during crises,” remarked Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response. “I witnessed firsthand during recent ice storms how much stronger our community-and indeed all over Ontario-becomes when we have what it takes together so we can act swiftly when disaster occurs.”

This year saw 114 recipients awarded funds via 2024-25 Community Emergency Preparedness Grant (CEPG) aimed at helping acquire essential gear while providing further training on managing local emergencies efficiently.

Apart from these grants offered under CEPG initiative; Ontario government announced plans underway constructing new Ontario Emergency Preparedness & Response Headquarters geared towards bolstering public safety measures along with disaster response initiatives involving Ontario Corps as well.

Quick Facts
• The CEPG grant aids municipalities; local service boards; Tribal Councils; Indigenous organizations along others tasked primarily concerning emergency preparedness duties.
• Recipients selected underwent thorough evaluation processes ensuring fair opportunity allocation.
• In 2024 alone there were 113 recipients benefiting from grants under 2023-24 CEPG program

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