Ontario Increasing Local Emergency Preparedness in Oxford

March 30, 2026

Province investing in emergency equipment and training to protect communities

WOODSTOCK —The government is taking action to protect Ontario by investing $86,500 in Oxford to help prepare for and respond to emergencies. Funding is being delivered through the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant (CEPG), which strengthens emergency preparedness by helping communities improve their local resilience.

“Ensuring our communities are prepared for emergencies is incredibly important, and I’m proud to see these two local organizations receiving support to strengthen their readiness,” said Ernie Hardeman, MPP for Oxford. “This funding will help them improve their resources so they can respond quickly and effectively when it matters most, helping keep residents in Oxford County safe.”

The Township of South-West Oxford will use $50,000 in funding to purchase, install and commission a reliable generator to power its emergency operations centre in the event of a power failure.

The Township of East Zorra-Tavistock will use $36,500 to purchase essential readiness supplies for its emergency operations centre as well as portable emergency scene lighting. It will also allow them to hire a consultant to conduct a full field exercise.

“Our government is strengthening the readiness of local communities and organizations to better prepare for any type of emergency,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response. “Whether it’s modernizing an emergency operations centre or investing in a generator to power a warming centre during a winter storm, these investments help to protect communities across Ontario.”