By Rosalind Russell – Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Bill Rosenberg has been busy visiting municipalities and First Nations throughout the North Shore Corridor and Manitoulin Island focusing on funding for Emergency Preparedness Plans.
Rosenberg says since 2024 the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant has helped 227 communities, First Nations and organizations become better prepared.
He also noted that the North Shore Search and Rescue, although not a municipality, was recognized for its work and received funding under the program as well.
He adds the grant funding is being used for equipment, such as generators, shelters, mapping systems, and IT integration.
The recipients are as follows:
1. Batchewana First Nation received $33,232 to purchase and install a generator to help protect isolated community members during emergencies, such as power outages and extreme cold.
2. Corporation of the Town of Espanola received $34,200 to purchase six generators to help power the community during extreme cold events.
3. Corporation of the Town of Gore Bay received $50,000 to purchase and install an on-demand generator for the emergency operations centre, which will help residents seeking shelter during power failures.
4. Corporation of the Township of Assiginack received $50,000 to purchase two generators, a water tank, two shelters and associated installation costs to better equip the evacuation centres in the community.
5. Corporation of the Township of Billings received $31,039 to purchase a generator, chainsaws, radios and other equipment to support emergency response.
6. Corporation of the Township of Hilton, received $31,039 to purchase cots, blankets and emergency food kits to enhance the emergency warming centre. Generators will also be purchased for the emergency operations centre and the Hilton Township office, along with a chainsaw and two-way radios.
7. Corporation of the Township of Nairn & Hyman received $12,100 to purchase a backup generator and related equipment to ensure the continuity of services during severe thunderstorms.
8. Corporation of the Township of Sables-Spanish Rivers received $50,000 to purchase two-way radios with mount kits to improve communications during wildland fires.
9. Corporation of the Township of St. Joseph, received $48,500 to purchase and install a generator, update the emergency management plan with a certified community emergency management coordinator, and conduct training and exercises that align with the revised plan.
10. Corporation of the Town of Thessalon received $50,000 to purchase and install a generator, central air conditioning, air purifiers, cots, signage and other supplies for the Thessalon Marina, which acts as an emergency shelter and cooling centre during extreme heat emergencies.
11. Incorporated Village of Hilton Beach received $41,605 to purchase supplies for an emergency response centre including cots, food kits, generators, two-way radios and a chainsaw. Training will be delivered to ensure the safe operation of new equipment.
12. Municipal Corporation of the Township of Cockburn Island, received $22,500 to purchase a gas pump, skid tank, hose and other equipment to train firefighters to better respond to wildland fire emergencies.
13. North Shore Search and Rescue received $23,520 to purchase a drone to enhance search and rescue capabilities. Training and licensing will ensure the safe operation of new equipment.
14. Township of Dubreuilville, received $32,968 to purchase a two-way radio system and related equipment to ensure reliable communication during emergencies.
15. Township of Macdonald, Meredith and Aberdeen Additional, received $26,895 to purchase thermal imaging tools and IT equipment to better facilitate the use of a mapping system and access GIS databases.
16. Wharncliffe Citizens’ Committee, received $35,250 to purchase and replace supplies for an emergency shelter, train volunteers and educate the public on emergency preparedness.
Photo: North Shore Search and Rescue out on practice maneuvers earlier this month. The organization has received EPP funding of $23,520 to purchase a done to enhance their search and rescue capabilities. Photo provided by NSSR.
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