The Ontario government is launching a fourth round of applications for its Community Emergency Preparedness Grant, investing $5 million to help communities purchase equipment and deliver training for emergency readiness, the province announced Wednesday.
The latest round brings the government’s total investment in the grant to $20 million over four years.
“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.”
Funding will continue to be tailored to each community’s needs and can be used to purchase equipment such as generators, sandbagging machines, thermal imaging drones and radio systems, as well as to modernize emergency operations centres, deliver training and coordinate awareness initiatives.
The province pointed to the Township of Adjala-Tosorontio as an example, noting it received $50,000 to strengthen its fire department’s resources by purchasing two portable pumps, a wildland forestry hose, chainsaws, portable radios and other equipment.
Applications will be accepted from Aug. 19, 2026, to Oct. 7, 2026, at 4 p.m. ET.
The province said eligible applicants include upper, lower and single-tier municipalities with a population under 100,000, Local Services Boards, Indigenous communities and organizations, and fire protection service providers in unorganized territories.
Ontario said 342 recipients, including municipalities, First Nations and community organizations, have benefited from the grant so far. Past recipients will remain ineligible for this round, allowing other communities and organizations to access the program.
Applicants must have an ontario.ca login and register for Transfer Payment Ontario. The province is also hosting an information session to guide applicants through the process, with registration required in advance.
