The Town of Huntsville has received a $50,000 grant from the province to improve emergency response capabilities.
According to officials, the funding will allow the town to purchase communications equipment, including two-way radios and a repeater station, and covers the necessary training for the new equipment.
“Huntsville’s natural rural setting has a considerable impact on our emergency preparations and operations,” said Mayor Nancy Alcock. “Thanks to the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant, the Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department now has more reliable communication devices to ensure our responders can communicate when they need it most, no matter how remote their location. This investment has a tangible impact on the safety of our first responders and our residents — whether they’re right in town or far from cellular service.”
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.
“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,” said MPP Graydon Smith. 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.”
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.
