MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, The Ontario government has announced a new partnership with Colliers Project Leaders to strengthen emergency preparedness, disaster response and community recovery capabilities across the province.
The Ontario-headquartered company will join Ontario Corps, a provincial network of organizations and trained volunteers designed to support communities during natural disasters and other emergencies.
The partnership will provide specialized expertise in emergency management, evacuation planning, disaster recovery and business continuity, helping municipalities, Indigenous communities and public sector organizations improve their ability to respond to increasingly complex emergencies.
The announcement was made by Jill Dunlop, Ontario’s Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response, during her opening remarks at the Disaster and Emergency Management Conference (DEMCON).
Ontario Corps Strengthens Emergency Preparedness with Private-Sector Expertise
The addition of Colliers Project Leaders expands Ontario Corps’ access to professional project management and emergency management services.
The company will work with communities to develop and modernize emergency response plans, establish operational procedures and improve evacuation strategies.
Its responsibilities will also include providing strategic coordination, recovery management support and continuity planning to help communities maintain essential services during emergencies.
“We are pleased to welcome Colliers Project Leaders to the Ontario Corps network to help communities prepare for and respond to emergencies,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response. “Their expertise in emergency and evacuation planning, and recovery management services will help strengthen our provincewide readiness and response when emergencies occur.”
The government said the partnership supports its broader strategy to build a coordinated emergency response system capable of mobilizing specialized resources when communities face unexpected disasters.
Emergency Resources Can Be Deployed Within 24 to 72 Hours
Ontario Corps is designed to mobilize personnel, equipment and emergency supplies within 24 to 72 hours of an emergency.
Available resources include flood barriers, debris removal equipment, drones, emergency supplies and trained personnel.
The network has already supported several provincial emergency response operations.
Most recently, Ontario Corps volunteers assisted with flooding response efforts in the Niagara region and participated in operations during Ontario’s 2026 wildland fire season.
These deployments demonstrate the network’s role in supplementing local emergency management capacity when communities require additional assistance.
Colliers Project Leaders to Support Climate Resilience and Disaster Recovery
Colliers Project Leaders brings experience in project delivery, climate readiness and community recovery services.
Through its Climate Readiness and Community Recovery operations, the company works with governments, public institutions and other organizations across Canada to address climate-related risks and disaster recovery challenges.
Olivia MacAngus, President and CEO of Colliers Project Leaders, said the partnership reflects the growing need for coordinated emergency planning.
“Communities across our home province of Ontario are facing complex challenges from climate and extreme weather events. Through this partnership with Ontario Corps, we are bringing together complementary expertise to help municipalities, Indigenous communities and public sector organizations strengthen their resilience, prepare for future risks and recover more effectively when disasters occur. We are proud to support Ontario Corps’ mission to build safer, stronger and more climate-ready communities across the province.”
Ontario Corps Expands Network of Corporate and Industry Partners
Colliers Project Leaders joins an established network of Ontario Corps partners representing energy, construction, insurance, education, transportation and other industries.
Existing participants include Bruce Power, The Home Depot Canada, Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Insurance Bureau of Canada, Uber Canada, Niagara College and Ontario Mine Rescue.
Other partners include Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario, Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario, Labatt Breweries of Canada, Ontario Road Builders’ Association, Ontario Stone, Sand and Gravel Association and Waste to Resource Ontario.
The province is also encouraging residents from different professional backgrounds and skill levels to register as Ontario Corps volunteers.
Participants will receive training and be matched with partner organizations according to their experience, interests and availability.
Ontario Plans 24-Hour Emergency Preparedness Headquarters
The provincial government is developing a new Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters that will eventually serve as Ontario Corps’ central operational facility.
The planned headquarters will feature advanced technology and operate as a 24-hour, year-round emergency command centre.
The facility is intended to improve coordination, resource deployment and operational readiness across Ontario.
The Colliers Project Leaders partnership represents another step in the province’s effort to combine public-sector coordination, private-sector expertise and volunteer participation in emergency management.
As Ontario continues to address flooding, wildland fires and extreme weather risks, the expanded network is expected to support communities in preparing for emergencies, maintaining essential operations and managing long-term recovery.
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