Ontario is expanding its emergency preparedness network by adding Waste to Resource Ontario (W2RO) as the latest partner in Ontario Corps, bringing specialized waste management and resource recovery expertise to the province’s disaster response capabilities.
The Ontario government announced the partnership on Oct. 6, saying W2RO will provide technical knowledge and industry coordination before, during and after emergencies ranging from floods and fires to hazardous material spills. The move is intended to improve how communities manage debris and waste following major incidents.
Waste Management Expertise Added to Ontario Corps
Emergency events can generate large volumes of damaged materials, organic debris and potentially hazardous waste, creating logistical and environmental challenges for municipalities and response teams.
W2RO’s role will include providing guidance on sorting, reducing and safely disposing of hazardous materials and organic debris. The organization can also advise on transportation costs, material processing and disposal requirements.
“When floods, spills or other incidents occur, planning for the safe disposal of materials and debris is a critical part of emergency preparedness,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response. “Partnering with W2RO strengthens our response capacity with the tools, expertise and coordination needed to manage materials efficiently and help protect people, property and the environment.”
W2RO can also identify opportunities to streamline emergency Environmental Compliance Approval permits. Those measures could allow waste management facilities to extend operating hours or temporarily accept larger quantities of waste, helping communities clear debris more quickly following an emergency.
Industry Group Represents Major Share of Ontario Waste Sector
W2RO represents more than 240 organizations operating across Ontario’s waste, recycling and resource management industry. According to the province, its members collectively manage more than 85 per cent of Ontario’s waste and 90 per cent of its recycling.
“Waste to Resource Ontario members have extensive experience supporting our local communities with emergency planning and responding to emergencies such as floods, ice storms, tornadoes, hazardous waste spills and fires across Ontario. Our members are able to assist communities with debris removal, equipment, labour, emergency permitting and community clean-up efforts. The waste, recycling and resource recovery sector is proud to join Ontario Corps and support the communities where they operate. W2RO and its members value our partnership with Ontario Corps and stand ready to respond when needed.”
- Ashley De Souza
CEO, W2RO
The partnership gives Ontario Corps access to a broad network of companies and specialists with experience handling materials and coordinating cleanup operations after disruptive events.
Ontario Corps Designed for Rapid Emergency Deployment
Ontario Corps is designed to mobilize within 24 to 72 hours when communities require additional assistance following emergencies or disasters.
Depending on the situation, the network can deploy personnel, supplies, debris-removal equipment, flood barriers and drones. Ontario Corps volunteers have already participated in several emergency responses, including summer flooding in the Niagara region and the province’s 2026 wildland fire season.
The government is also encouraging Ontarians with different professional backgrounds and skill levels to join the volunteer network. Participants receive training and are matched with Ontario Corps partner organizations based on their skills, interests and availability.
Partner Network Continues to Expand
W2RO joins a growing group of organizations participating in Ontario Corps. Existing partners include 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, Ontario Stone, Sand and Gravel Association and Uber Canada.
The province is also developing a new Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters that will eventually serve as the home of Ontario Corps. The facility is planned as a 24-hour, year-round emergency command centre equipped with technology to coordinate provincial responses.
By bringing W2RO into the network, Ontario is expanding Ontario Corps beyond immediate emergency assistance to include specialized expertise needed during the cleanup and recovery stages. The partnership is expected to strengthen coordination between government, communities and the waste management sector when major emergencies create significant debris and disposal challenges.