The Ontario government has launched a Request for Proposals (RFP) as part of the process to build a new Ontario Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters.
This new headquarters will be the largest update to Ontario’s emergency command center in more than 15 years and will support the province’s work to prepare for and respond to all types of disasters, including through the deployment of Ontario Corps.
Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response said: “This new headquarters is a pivotal part of our plan to modernize emergency management, ensuring a better coordinated and enhanced response to emergencies across Ontario.
“In the coming weeks, our government is looking forward to working closely with stakeholders and experts to ensure this facility has the capabilities required to support a safe, practiced and prepared Ontario and a resilient and strong emergency response system.”
The new complex will be a multifaceted and secure center that will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year.
It will include dedicated training rooms and warehousing and aviation infrastructure and will be designed to withstand all types of disasters including earthquakes, tornadoes and floods.
It will also be used to oversee and coordinate Ontario Corps, a group of skilled professionals and volunteers that was announced last December and which the province can deploy to assist communities dealing with natural disasters and other emergencies.
Infrastructure Ontario has launched its RFP for Functional Programming Services, which will determine the exact systems and capabilities the new headquarters will require in order to fulfill its functions.
This is the first step in the planning process for the new Ontario Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters/Complex. The headquarters will be located on surplus government property on Disco Road in Etobicoke near Toronto Pearson International Airport and provincial highways.
A Request for Proposals has been launched by the Ontario government as a key part of its planning towards a new Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters.
