Province launches fourth round of funding to help communities strengthen emergency response capabilities
The Ontario government is expanding its investment in local emergency readiness with the launch of a new application round for the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant (CEPG), providing $5 million to help communities across the province purchase critical equipment, deliver training and improve emergency response systems.
The latest funding round brings Ontario’s total investment in the program to $20 million over four years, as municipalities, Indigenous communities and emergency service organizations continue to face evolving risks, including increasingly challenging wildland fire seasons and other emergency situations.
The Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response announced that applications for the fourth round of CEPG funding will open on August 19, 2026, and remain available until October 7, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. ET.
Funding aimed at improving local emergency response infrastructure
The Community Emergency Preparedness Grant is designed to support communities based on their specific emergency management needs and local priorities. Funding can be used for a wide range of preparedness initiatives, including the purchase of essential emergency equipment such as generators, sandbagging machines, thermal imaging drones and radio communication systems.
Communities can also use the funding to upgrade emergency operations centres, provide emergency management training, conduct preparedness exercises and support public awareness initiatives focused on improving resilience.
“As Ontario’s emergency landscape evolves, including a more challenging wildland fire season this year, our government is sparing no expense to give communities the tools they need to prepare for and respond to emergencies,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response. “Strengthening local emergency preparedness ensures communities across Ontario can stay safe, resilient and ready for any future challenges.”
Adjala-Tosorontio receives support for firefighting resources
The Township of Adjala-Tosorontio is among the communities that have benefited from the CEPG program. The municipality received $50,000 to strengthen its fire department’s emergency response capabilities through the purchase of equipment including two portable pumps, wildland forestry hose, chainsaws, portable radios and additional resources.
Local officials said the investment demonstrates how provincial funding can directly support frontline responders and improve community safety during emergencies.
“We have seen firsthand here in Adjala-Tosorontio how investments in emergency preparedness can make a real difference when they are needed most. During recent wildfire responses, equipment purchased through the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant was put directly to work by local firefighters to help protect residents, property and our community. This is a great example of provincial investments supporting our first responders and making a tangible difference on the ground.”
- Brian Saunderson, MPP, Simcoe-Grey
Who can apply for the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant
Eligible organizations include municipalities, Indigenous communities and emergency service providers
The grant program is open to eligible applicants located in Ontario, including:
- Upper-tier, lower-tier and single-tier municipalities with populations under 100,000 people based on 2021 Statistics Canada data.
- Local Services Boards established under the Northern Services Boards Act.
- Indigenous communities, including First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities.
- Indigenous organizations such as Tribal Councils and other Indigenous service organizations supporting emergency management programs.
- Fire protection service providers operating in territories without municipal organization under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997.
Ontario said 342 recipients, including municipalities, First Nations and community organizations, have already benefited from the program.
Previous CEPG recipients will remain ineligible for the new funding round to ensure additional communities and organizations have an opportunity to access financial support.
Applicants must have an Ontario.ca login and register through Transfer Payment Ontario before submitting an application. The province is also hosting an information session to assist potential applicants with the application process.
Local leaders highlight importance of emergency readiness
Municipal leaders said continued investment in emergency preparedness is essential for protecting residents and supporting first responders.
“The Community Emergency Preparedness Grant represents an important investment in the safety and resilience of our community. These investments support our firefighters, enhance public safety, and provide residents with confidence that their community is equipped to respond to emergencies. We appreciate the Province’s commitment to helping rural municipalities prepare for the challenges of today and tomorrow.”
- Scott W. Anderson, Mayor, Adjala-Tosorontio
Emergency officials also emphasized that preparedness depends on having the necessary resources available before emergencies occur.
“Emergency preparedness is something we talk about every day in the fire service, but preparedness is only meaningful when our responders have the tools and resources they need before an emergency happens, not after.”
- Todd Aitken, Fire Chief, Adjala-Tosorontio
Ontario continues focus on community resilience
Through the expanded Community Emergency Preparedness Grant, the province aims to strengthen emergency response capacity across Ontario by helping communities invest in equipment, training and planning. The government said the program will continue supporting local efforts to build safer and more resilient communities prepared for future challenges.