The Government of Ontario has announced the launch of Ontario Corps, a program aimed at deploying skilled professionals and volunteers to assist communities during natural disasters and other emergencies.
Premier Doug Ford described the initiative as an effort to promote community involvement and provide resources to support local emergency responses.
“With the launch of Ontario Corps, we’re harnessing the Ontario spirit to help communities and neighbours in need deal with natural disasters and other emergencies, while providing additional resources to keep our communities safe,” said Ford.
Ontario Corps will collaborate with non-governmental organizations and First Nations partners to coordinate efforts during emergencies.
The program will provide services such as emergency shelter, debris management, food distribution, and flood mitigation. Partner organizations include the Salvation Army, Feed Ontario, GlobalMedic, Ontario Search and Rescue Volunteer Association, and Team Rubicon Canada.
To enhance emergency response capabilities, the province has procured equipment including drones, water pumps, flood mitigation barriers, chain saws, and air purifiers.
This equipment, along with trained volunteers, can be deployed anywhere in Ontario within 24 to 72 hours to assist local communities.
Ontario Corps partners will also support preparedness efforts by offering volunteer training and public education on emergency readiness.
“Being safe, practiced, and prepared starts with having the resources, trained volunteers and specialized equipment ready when the next emergency impacts Ontario,” said Trevor Jones, Associate Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response.
Ontario Corps has already demonstrated its effectiveness through pilot projects in Gravenhurst and French River.
Earlier this month, after heavy snowfall in Gravenhurst, Ontario Corps partnered with organizations including the Salvation Army and Feed Ontario to conduct wellness checks, distribute food, and provide shelter to affected residents.
In April, Team Rubicon Canada assisted in French River by supporting flood mitigation efforts, including sandbagging to protect local properties.
Gisèle Pageau, Mayor of French River, praised the initiative: “Ontario Corps not only provided an excellent and efficient service during our time of need, but they brought comfort to our most vulnerable residents who are seniors.”
As part of Ontario’s plan to modernize emergency management, the government will establish an Ontario Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters in Etobicoke.
The facility, located near Toronto Pearson International Airport, will include training rooms, warehousing, storage, and aviation infrastructure. It will be capable of operating 24/7 and built to withstand earthquakes, floods, and tornadoes.
Additionally, a regional emergency hub will be developed in Timmins through a partnership with Northern College.
Four more hubs will be established in strategic locations across northeast, northwest, southwest, and southeast Ontario to improve local response capabilities and reduce emergency response times.
The Government of Ontario has launched Ontario Corps, a program designed to deploy volunteers and specialized professionals during natural disasters and emergencies.
The initiative will work with partner organizations, including Feed Ontario, the Salvation Army, GlobalMedic, and Team Rubicon Canada, to provide emergency shelter, food, flood mitigation, and debris management.
Ontario has procured equipment, including drones, flood barriers, and water pumps, which can be deployed within 24 to 72 hours.
The program has been piloted in Gravenhurst and French River, where it successfully supported local emergency responses.
The province will also establish an Ontario Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters in Etobicoke and regional hubs in Timmins and other strategic locations to strengthen emergency readiness across Ontario.
