The Ontario government has announced a $46,111 grant for the Township of Essa to improve its emergency response capabilities. The funding will be used to purchase a backup generator for the township’s municipal office, which also serves as its emergency operations centre.
The funding comes from the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant (CEPG), a provincial program designed to help communities prepare for and respond to emergencies. The grant supports local emergency management training, upgrades to critical infrastructure, and the purchase of essential equipment.
Brian Saunderson, MPP for Simcoe-Grey, welcomed the announcement, noting the importance of emergency preparedness in the region.
“Here in Simcoe-Grey, we know how much damage severe weather can cause,” said Saunderson. “During the recent ice storm, we saw downed trees and widespread power outages. This new generator will help keep power flowing to Essa’s municipal office during such events.”
Saunderson explained that the generator will ensure staff can continue to share vital information and deliver key services to residents, even during emergencies.
Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response, also highlighted the importance of local readiness.
“A safe and prepared Ontario depends on communities having the tools to act quickly and effectively in a crisis,” said Dunlop. “The recent ice storms showed how strong we can be when we come together to respond to disasters.”
Essa is one of 114 recipients of the 2024–25 Community Emergency Preparedness Grant. The funding will help municipalities across Ontario enhance emergency response efforts by improving training and buying essential equipment.
The Ontario government also recently announced the development of a new Ontario Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters. The new centre will support disaster readiness efforts, including programs like Ontario Corps.
Essa Mayor Sandie Macdonald thanked the province and MPP Saunderson for their support.
“On behalf of the Township of Essa, I want to sincerely thank the Ford government and MPP Brian Saunderson,” said Macdonald. “This grant is a crucial investment in our community’s safety. It will help us respond more effectively to emergencies and ensure Essa stays a safe place to live.”
The generator project marks another step in the province’s broader strategy to strengthen emergency preparedness across Ontario.
