BRACEBRIDGE, Ont. — Ontario is expanding its emergency-response capacity by adding the Ontario Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (OSSGA) to Ontario Corps, giving the province another channel for mobilizing heavy construction equipment, industry expertise and labour during floods, wildland fires and other emergencies.
The partnership, announced by the Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response on September 8, will allow OSSGA to draw on its network of more than 280 stone, sand and gravel producers and suppliers when communities require additional equipment or specialized resources.
“Welcoming Ontario Stone, Sand and Gravel Association to the Ontario Corps network means we can better facilitate access to heavy machinery and key expertise during emergencies,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response. “In the event of a flood, wildland fire or other emergency, we can assist municipalities in getting critical equipment and resources mobilized quickly to impacted communities.”
OSSGA Members Could Supply Heavy Equipment During Ontario Emergencies
Under the arrangement, OSSGA could help facilitate access to equipment available through its members, including excavators, bulldozers, trucks, snow-removal machinery, portable generators and pumps.
Such equipment could be deployed for flood mitigation, debris removal, restoration work and transportation of emergency supplies, depending on the needs of affected municipalities and communities.
The partnership broadens the range of private-sector and institutional resources available through Ontario Corps, a provincial initiative designed to establish a network of organizations and trained volunteers capable of responding quickly when local emergency-response capacity is strained.
Ontario says the Corps can mobilize within 24 to 72 hours following an emergency. Resources available through the network can include personnel, flood barriers, debris-removal equipment, supplies and drones.
Aggregate Industry Highlights Local Community Role
OSSGA represents an industry that plays a significant role in Ontario’s construction and infrastructure sectors. Its members collectively provide most of the approximately 164 million tonnes of aggregate used annually across the province.
“Ontario’s aggregate industry is deeply rooted in the communities where we operate. Our members are proud to support emergency response efforts by providing expertise, equipment and labour when and where they are needed. This partnership reflects our commitment to being trusted community partners and supporting the people, businesses and municipalities we serve.”
- Dwayne McKenzie
Chair, OSSGA and General Manager of Nelson Aggregate Co.
The partnership could be particularly relevant during emergencies where municipalities require specialized machinery that is not immediately available through their existing fleets.
“Strong relationships are built through action, especially when communities face challenges. By joining Ontario Corps, our members are strengthening their ability to support local response and recovery efforts while continuing to build positive, lasting relationships with municipalities, community leaders and residents across Ontario.”
- Sharon Armstrong
Executive Director, OSSGA
Ontario Corps Builds Broader Emergency Preparedness Network
Ontario Corps has already been deployed several times for emergency-response operations. According to the province, volunteers most recently supported the response to summer flooding in Niagara Region and activities related to the 2026 wildland fire season.
OSSGA joins a growing list of Ontario Corps partners that includes Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario, The Home Depot Canada, Labatt Breweries of Canada, Niagara College, Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Ontario Mine Rescue, Ontario Road Builders’ Association and Uber Canada.
The province is also encouraging Ontario residents with different professional backgrounds and skill levels to volunteer. Participants receive training and are matched with partner organizations based on their skills, interests and availability.
New Emergency Headquarters Planned for Ontario Corps
Ontario is also developing a new Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters that will become the future home of Ontario Corps.
The province says the facility will operate as a 24-hour, year-round emergency command centre and will incorporate technology intended to support emergency preparedness, coordination and response.
Adding OSSGA gives the provincial network access to another pool of industrial resources that could be particularly useful following severe weather and natural disasters. With heavy machinery often essential for clearing debris, controlling flooding and restoring access to affected areas, the partnership is intended to improve how quickly equipment and expertise can be directed to Ontario communities during emergencies.