Three West Parry Sound area communities are receiving a combined $106,000 to boost emergency response capabilities.
According to provincial officials, Wasausking First Nation is receive $50,000 in funding to purchase a pop-up tent, chainsaws, laptops, a drone, and radios to enhance emergency preparedness when dealing with storms, high winds, snow and ice.
Shawanaga First Nation will be provided $46,625 to purchase and install two backup generators at Shawanaga First Nation’s finance trailer and main administration building to ensure the continuous operation of critical services during power outages.
The Municipality of McDougall will also be receiving provincial funding. The local communities will be provided $9,750 to purchase a new drone to assist in wildland fire response and search and rescue efforts.
“I’m thankful that our government is recognizing the increasing need for municipalities to be able to respond to emergencies,” said Parry Sound – Muskoka MPP Graydon Smith. “Emergencies can strike at any time and in many different ways. Having the right equipment, training, and strategies in place is vital to minimizing the impact from emergency situations. We should be very thankful to the many emergency service employees and volunteers in our communities that play a pivotal role in keeping us all safe.”
The funding is part of $380,000 in community emergency preparedness grants the province is giving nine communities across Parry Sound–Muskoka for emergency preparedness and response initiatives.
In addition to the grants, the province is also building a new Ontario Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters that will support public safety and disaster response measures.
“A safe and prepared Ontario comes when communities and organizations have the resources they need to respond efficiently and effectively in times of crisis,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response.
