The Ontario government is investing $42,680 in Ingersoll to help them prepare for and respond to emergencies. Funding is being delivered through the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant, a $5 million investment to help communities and organizations purchase critical supplies and equipment and deliver training and services.
“Special equipment is often needed when responding to incidents,” said Ernie Hardeman, MPP for Oxford. “This funding will allow Ingersoll’s emergency services to be even further prepared to address any situation that may arise.”
“The Town of Ingersoll Fire & Emergency Services is grateful for the funding received through the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant,” said Deputy Fire Chief Ryan Baker. “This funding will allow our organization to purchase a drone that will provide enhanced service to our residents and provide a higher level of safety to our first responders during small and large-scale emergencies.”
The drone will be used during any type of natural emergency or disaster, something Baker said will come in handy should the need arise. “If we have flooding along any of our floodplains, we’ll be able to monitor that in real-time and get up-to-date information. If there is a severe storm or tornado that comes through town, we would be able to survey the damage. It would assist us with preparing plans to see where we would focus our attention first.”
The drone has thermal imaging capabilities and in the event of a fire can be utilized to assist firefighters. “In the more rural areas of town we would be able to use it to help with any sort of search and rescue for a lost person along the river.” Baker added the equipment could also be used in the event of a hazmat situation from a train derailment the drone would be used instead of firefighters to see what’s happening.
Baker expects the drone to arrive at the end of June and training has been set up for some members of the department. “They’re excited. It’s something different for them and it’s moving the fire service forward. It’s another tool we can use to keep our responders safe and provide an increased level of service to our residents.”
“Through the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant, our government is stepping up to ensure Ontario is safe, practiced and prepared for any type of emergency,” said Caroline Mulroney, President of the Treasury Board and Minister responsible for Emergency Management. “From floods to wildland fires, these targeted investments will empower communities and organizations to enhance their emergency response. Whether it’s building up local fire departments or enabling more efficient search and rescue operations, our government is giving communities the tools and resources they need to keep people safe.”
The funding is supporting 113 recipients across Ontario including municipalities, local services boards, First Nation communities, Tribal Councils, Indigenous service organizations and non-governmental organizations with mandates in emergency preparedness.
The Community Emergency Preparedness Grant is part of the $110 million the government earmarked over the next three years to strengthen emergency preparedness in Ontario.