Niagara College Becomes First Post-Secondary Institution to Join Ontario Corps
WELLAND, Ont. — The Ontario government is expanding its emergency preparedness network by welcoming Niagara College as the newest partner in Ontario Corps, a provincial initiative designed to strengthen community response efforts before, during and after emergencies.
The partnership marks a significant milestone for Ontario Corps, with Niagara College becoming the first post-secondary institution to join the growing network of organizations and volunteers that can be mobilized to support communities facing disasters and emergency situations.
The announcement, made by the Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response on July 13, underscores the province’s broader strategy to improve emergency readiness and ensure critical resources can be deployed quickly when needed.
“Our partnership with Niagara College is focused on growth for our Ontario Corps volunteers,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response. “Making sure we have volunteers ready to answer the call across province means we can act quickly to help communities when needed.”
Students, Staff and Faculty Encouraged to Volunteer
Under the new partnership, Niagara College will promote Ontario Corps participation among its students, faculty and staff. The college will also take part in information sessions, community outreach activities and initiatives aimed at strengthening emergency preparedness and resilience across Ontario.
In addition to recruiting volunteers, Niagara College will contribute its expertise in emergency management by sharing institutional knowledge and best practices that can help improve community preparedness efforts.
The collaboration is expected to create new opportunities for students to gain practical experience while supporting emergency response initiatives throughout the province.
Nolan Quinn, Ontario’s Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, said the partnership aligns with the province’s efforts to equip students with skills that can benefit communities during times of crisis.
“Ontario’s colleges are preparing students to support and strengthen our communities, no matter what we face. Through this partnership between Niagara College and Ontario Corps, our government is ensuring that students, staff, and faculty gain the practical skills and knowledge they need to effectively respond to emergencies and protect Ontario.”
Ontario Corps Designed for Rapid Emergency Deployment
Ontario Corps was established to create a coordinated network of trained volunteers and partner organizations capable of responding quickly when disasters strike.
The network can be mobilized within 24 to 72 hours and provides support through personnel, specialized equipment and emergency resources. These assets can include debris removal tools, emergency supplies, flood barriers and drone technology used to assess and respond to emergency situations.
Volunteers from a wide range of professional backgrounds and skill levels are encouraged to participate. Individuals who join the program receive training and are matched with partner organizations based on their experience, interests and availability.
The province says the program has already demonstrated its value during recent emergencies, including Ontario’s 2026 spring flooding and responses to the 2025 ice storm and wildland fires.
Growing Network of Provincial Partners
Niagara College joins a growing list of organizations supporting Ontario Corps. Existing partners include Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario, The Home Depot Canada, Labatt Breweries of Canada, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Ontario Mine Rescue, the Ontario Road Builders’ Association and Uber Canada.
The province is also investing in long-term emergency preparedness infrastructure. A new Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters is planned as the future home of Ontario Corps. The facility will serve as a 24-hour, year-round emergency command centre and will be equipped with advanced technology designed to support provincial emergency operations.
Building on Niagara College’s Emergency Management Expertise
Niagara College officials say the partnership reflects the institution’s longstanding commitment to community service and emergency management education.
“As the first post-secondary institution to partner with Ontario Corps, Niagara College is pleased to expand meaningful opportunities for students to make a difference in the communities they serve. This partnership builds on Niagara College’s expertise in emergency management and gives our students, who are already making a meaningful impact across Niagara, another way to step forward when their community needs them most.”
Niagara College is one of Ontario’s largest applied education institutions, offering more than 130 diploma, degree and advanced-level programs. The college serves more than 10,000 full-time students annually across its Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake campuses and employs more than 600 staff and faculty members.
The province says the addition of Niagara College will help strengthen Ontario Corps’ volunteer base while expanding emergency preparedness awareness among students and future workforce leaders, supporting Ontario’s goal of building more resilient communities across the province.