Smith announces emergency preparedness funding for the region

Huntsville rec'd $50K for new radio equipment

Ontario is stepping up emergency preparedness in Parry Sound–Muskoka, providing funding to local communities to boost training, equipment, and response capabilities.

MPP Graydon Smith says the goal is to ensure municipalities are ready for any crisis, while Huntsville’s mayor notes the funding will strengthen response in rural areas where communications and access can be challenging.

Minister Jill Dunlop adds that recent events, like ice storms, show how important it is for communities to have the tools and training needed to respond quickly and keep residents safe.

The funding comes through the province’s Community Emergency Preparedness Grant, supporting dozens of communities across Ontario to enhance local emergency readiness.

The Town of Huntsville has received $50,000 to purchase communications equipment including two-way radios and a repeater station. The funding also covers the training that will ensure the effective operation of the new equipment.

Other communities receiving funding through this grant include:

• Corporation of the Municipality of Magnetawan, which is receiving $48,385 to purchase a backup generator to provide continuous power for the local emergency operations centre, communications equipment, and drones to enhance surveillance capabilities.
• Corporation of the Municipality of McDougall, which is receiving $50,000 to purchase communications equipment including two-way radios and a repeater station. Training will be delivered to ensure the effective operation of the new equipment.
• Corporation of the Town of Kearney, which is receiving $41,272 to purchase wildland fire equipment such as hoses, pumps, tanks, drones, fuel lines and other supplies. Training will be delivered to ensure the safe operation of the new equipment.
• Corporation of the Township of McMurrich/Monteith, which is receiving $49,518 to enhance the emergency operations centre by purchasing tablets, electronics and satellite phones, and upgrading the generator. Sandbags will also be purchased to prepare for spring flooding.
• Local Services Board of Restoule, which is receiving $43,069 to purchase two-way radios and programmable signage, and to develop an emergency plan and website to relay emergency information.
• Shawanaga First Nation, which is receiving $46,625 to purchase and install two backup generators at Shawanaga First Nation’s Finance Trailer and Main Administration Building to ensure the continuous operation of critical services during power outages.
• Township of Perry, which is receiving $42,570 to purchase and install a backup generator to provide power to the community centre shelter during emergencies.
• Wasauksing First Nation, which is receiving $40,000 to purchase a pop-up tent, chainsaws, laptops, a drone and radios to enhance emergency preparedness when dealing with storms, high winds, snow and ice.