Province Strengthens Disaster Preparedness Through New Corporate Partnership
Retailer to Provide Supplies, Logistics and Facilities During Emergencies Across Ontario
TORONTO — The Ontario government is expanding its emergency preparedness network by adding The Home Depot Canada to Ontario Corps, a province-wide initiative designed to support communities during emergencies and natural disasters.
The announcement, made Wednesday by the Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response, marks the latest partnership under Ontario Corps, a growing network of volunteers, organizations and private-sector partners that can be mobilized rapidly when disasters strike.
Provincial officials said the partnership will allow Ontario to leverage The Home Depot Canada’s extensive retail footprint, supply chain infrastructure and emergency resources to improve disaster response efforts across the province.
“As a network of more than 20,000 dedicated experts and volunteers, Ontario Corps members are ready to respond to local emergencies at a moment’s notice,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Home Depot’s province-wide network of locations and emergency supplies will help ensure critical resources are available where they’re needed and when they’re needed.”
Ontario Corps Expands Emergency Capacity
Ontario Corps was established to strengthen the province’s ability to respond quickly during emergencies such as flooding, severe storms, wildfires and ice storms. The network can reportedly be mobilized within 24 to 72 hours to deliver personnel, supplies and specialized equipment to affected communities.
Under the new partnership, The Home Depot Canada Foundation and the company’s volunteer associate network, known as “Team Depot,” will support disaster preparedness and recovery operations before, during and after emergencies.
According to the province, the retailer can rapidly move emergency products from its distribution centres and suppliers into impacted areas when severe weather events are forecast.
These supplies may include generators, tarps, flashlights, bottled water, batteries, blankets and plywood — materials frequently required during storm recovery and emergency shelter operations.
The company will also help monitor and manage supply chains to ensure stores remain stocked with critical products during emergencies, while prioritizing equipment needed by residents and emergency responders.
“We are proud to welcome The Home Depot Canada to the Ontario Corps team. They will play a key role in helping move critical equipment and supplies to communities across the province,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response. “This is not the first time The Home Depot Canada has stepped up in times of need – their strong track record in emergency preparedness and response will be an invaluable asset to our network of partners and volunteers.”
Stores and Parking Lots Could Serve as Emergency Hubs
In addition to supplying emergency materials, The Home Depot Canada’s stores and parking lots may also be used as operational hubs during disasters.
Provincial officials said these locations could function as command centres for first responders and emergency management teams, helping to coordinate response efforts in affected regions.
The retailer’s online platform will also provide information and guidance for residents on post-disaster cleanup and rebuilding efforts.
“The Home Depot Canada is proud to partner with Ontario Corps to help communities in need – exactly when they need it most. Through our end-to-end disaster strategy, we remain committed to supporting emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and rebuilding the communities we call home. Together, we can continue to build hope in communities impacted by natural disasters.”
- Vinod Nalajala
President, The Home Depot Canada
Province Continues Investing in Emergency Preparedness
The announcement comes as Ontario continues to expand its emergency management infrastructure following several years of extreme weather events across the province.
Ontario Corps was recently deployed to assist communities including the Township of Minden Hills, the Township of Whitewater Region, the Town of French River and the City of Greater Sudbury during spring flooding operations. Volunteers helped fill and place sandbags and supported reception centres for displaced residents.
The network was also activated during the province’s 2025 ice storm and wildland fire responses.
As part of broader emergency preparedness efforts, the province is developing a new Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters that will serve as the future home of Ontario Corps. Officials said the facility will operate year-round as a 24/7 emergency command centre equipped with advanced technology to coordinate provincial responses during disasters.
The Home Depot Canada currently operates 182 stores nationwide and employs more than 35,000 associates across Canada. In Ontario alone, the retailer has 88 stores and approximately 19,000 associates.
Provincial officials continue to encourage residents from all professional backgrounds and skill levels to volunteer with Ontario Corps as the province works to strengthen its emergency response capacity amid increasing climate-related risks and severe weather events.