The City of Cornwall has received $41,000 through the 2024-25 Community Emergency Preparedness Grant (CEPG), funding new emergency response tools-including two high-tech drones and mobile command upgrades-to boost the city’s disaster readiness.
The announcement was made on August 20th by Jill Dunlop, Ontario’s Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response, in front of the Fourth Street Fire Department. “To protect Ontario, communities and organizations need the resources to respond efficiently and effectively in times of crisis,” said Dunlop. “We are proud to support the City of Cornwall in this mission.”
The grant allowed Cornwall to purchase a DJI M30T drone, a DJI Mini 4 drone, and make IT upgrades to its mobile command vehicle. These tools provide real-time situational awareness during emergencies like fires, severe weather, and river-related incidents. In an interview with Seaway News, Dunlop noted the equipment also supports response efforts during ice storms and power outages. “We can map out the city and identify where hydro is down, how that impacts critical infrastructure like hospitals and wastewater stations, and send that information to Hydro One,” she explained.
Cornwall Fire Services, Police, and Municipal Works staff are currently training to receive Advanced Remotely Piloted Aircraft certification. The funding also covers consulting to update emergency plans, risk assessments, and public education strategies.
“With these drones and technology, we can fly and cover a lot more area in one flight path,” said Deputy CAO/Fire Chief Matthew Stephenson. “It’s an added resource for emergencies like fires or even a person in the water (river).”
“When disaster strikes, preparedness saves lives,” said SDSG MPP Nolan Quinn. Mayor Justin Towndale added, “This investment will ensure that we are prepared and able to respond quickly and efficiently in the event of emergencies, thereby saving time and, most importantly, lives.”