Ontario Increasing Local Emergency Preparedness in Elgin-Middlesex-London
March 24, 2026
Province investing in emergency equipment and training to protect communities
NEWS
ST.THOMAS —The government is taking action to protect Ontario by investing $77,700 in both the City of St. Thomas and the Municipality of Dutton Dunwich 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.
“This funding will give the City of St. Thomas and the Municipality of Dutton Dunwich the tools and training they need to respond quickly when emergencies happen,” said Rob Flack, MPP for Elgin-Middlesex-London. “Whether it’s a winter storm, a power outage, or another urgent situation, these investments help ensure residents are safe and our local first responders have the support they need.”
The City of St. Thomas will receive $45,000 towards a drone and training, portable and weather radios, and emergency preparedness materials to boost communication, public awareness, and readiness during emergencies. Meanwhile, the Municipality of Dutton Dunwich will receive $32,700 to equip themselves with additional emergency supplies and upgraded tools for its Emergency Operations Centre, including communication radios, monitoring equipment, and public education resources. These investments will help both municipalities enhance their preparedness and response to winter storms, extreme cold, power outages, and highway closures, ensuring the safety of residents and supporting emergency responders.
“Our government is strengthening the readiness of local communities and organizations to better prepare for any type of emergency,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response. “Whether it’s modernizing an emergency operations centre or investing in a generator to power a warming centre during a winter storm, these investments help to protect communities across Ontario.”
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
MEDIA CONTACTS
Ricardo Fartura
Minister’s Office
Ricardo.Fartura@ontario.ca
Emily Bradshaw
Office of Rob Flack, MPP
emily.bradshaw@pc.ola.org