Ontario Increasing Local Emergency Preparedness in Peterborough-Kawartha
April 16, 2026
Province investing in emergency equipment and training to protect communities
PETERBOROUGH — The Ontario government is taking decisive action to protect the province by investing $100,000 in North Kawartha and Havelock-Belmont-Methuen. This funding, delivered through the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant (CEPG), is designed to help small and medium-sized municipalities improve local resilience and respond to emergencies more effectively.
“Last year’s March 2025 ice storm was a stark reminder of how quickly our communities can be cut off when the power goes out and roads are blocked,” said Dave Smith, MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha. “This investment is a direct response to those challenges. By providing the tools for reliable communication in North Kawartha and ensuring the HBM Community Centre has a backup generator to stay open as a warming site, we are making sure our residents are never left in the dark again.”
The CEPG funding is being allocated to address specific infrastructure and equipment gaps in the region:
- North Kawartha ($50,000): The township will use this investment to modernize emergency communications and field operations. Key purchases include radios for parks and recreation vehicles, communication upgrades, a backup generator, and chainsaws. These tools will ensure safer, faster road clearance and more coordinated responses during natural disasters.
- Havelock-Belmont-Methuen ($50,000): Funding will support the purchase of a permanent backup generator for the HBM Community Centre. This upgrade ensures the facility can serve as a reliable emergency shelter and warming/cooling centre during power outages—a critical need identified following the prolonged outages of the March 2025 ice storm.
“Our government is strengthening the readiness of local communities to better prepare for any type of emergency,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response. “Whether it’s modernizing an operations centre or ensuring a community hub has power during a winter storm, these investments help protect families across Ontario.”
Quotes
“Once again, North Kawartha is thrilled to be giving thanks to MPP Dave Smith for another grant! Our Township has faced several emergencies in the last few years, and this funding will enable us to be better prepared for any challenges in the future. The CEPG is a perfect example of how the Province is helping municipalities help themselves, and our community is very appreciative.”
Carolyn Amyotte
Mayor, North Kawartha
“We are extremely grateful to MPP Smith and the provincial government for the funding that has been provided. The $50,000 Community Emergency Preparedness Grant will assist the Township of Havelock-Belmont-Methuen with the purchase of a permanent backup power source for the local Community Centre. This purchase will allow the Community Centre to be the Township’s main gathering spot in an emergency situation when the power is out.”
Jim Martin
Mayor, Havelock-Belmont-Methuen
Quick Facts
- The CEPG supports small-to-medium-sized municipalities, First Nations communities, and local services boards.
- Since its launch in 2023, the province has invested $15 million to support 342 recipients.
- This year’s $5 million provincial round is helping 115 communities purchase critical supplies like water purification systems, satellite equipment, and emergency shelters.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Media Contact: Office of Dave Smith, MPP
705-742-3777
dave.smithco@pc.ola.org
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