Ontario Building New Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters, Future Home of Ontario Corps

Press Release

TORONTO —The Ontario government has awarded the contract for the functional programming of a new, state-of-the-art Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters, which will also serve as the future home of Ontario Corps. At the functional programming stage of planning, prior to the actual design of the facility, its specific functions, activities and operational requirements are determined. Strategically located on 17 acres near Toronto Pearson Airport and major 400 series highways, this facility will be equipped with cutting-edge technology needed to protect Ontario as the 24/7, year-round emergency command centre.

“This new command centre will help us protect communities across Ontario with faster, more coordinated responses whenever emergencies happen, ensuring help gets to the people who need it most,” said Premier Doug Ford. “With a modern home for Ontario Corps, we’re making sure these volunteers and everyday heroes have the tools they need to carry out their critical operations and keep people safe.”

In 2025, Ontario Corps volunteers contributed more than 6,000 hours delivering emergency relief, including supporting wildfire evacuations, erecting flood barriers, delivering wellness checks and providing meals in communities across the province. Likewise, Ontario’s Emergency Preparedness and Response teams led through one of the busiest and most demanding emergency flood and wildfire seasons on record in 2025.

To support this build, the government has been consulting with stakeholders and industry experts to inform the design and construction of the new headquarters. This new headquarters and emergency command centre will be purpose-built to withstand all hazards, with state-of-the-art facilities to bring faster, smarter and more coordinated support to communities across the province.

“We’re taking bold steps to build and renew our infrastructure and grow our economy, and that’s why Ontario needs a strong emergency management system to stay protected, resilient and ready,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response. “That means investing in a modern headquarters designed for future challenges and enabling more effective, coordinated and enhanced emergency response.”

The new headquarters are part of the government’s more than $220 billion plan to build, repair and expand critical infrastructure across the province. By investing in the largest infrastructure expansion in Canadian history, the government is protecting Ontario workers and jobs by creating the most resilient, self-reliant and competitive economy in the G7.

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Quick Facts

• WZMH Architects is being awarded the systems and capabilities functional programming contract, with work to be completed in 2026.

• The site is located at 111 Disco Road in Etobicoke

• So far this year, 42 local emergencies have been declared. Last year at this time, 29 were declared.

• Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response Field Officers were deployed for a combined 1,068 days so far in 2025, supporting and coordinating on-the-ground response for emergency events such as the 2025 wildland fire evacuations.

• The province co-ordinated the evacuation of 6,080 people from First Nation communities in Ontario under threat of wildland fires and hosted 2,307 evacuees from Manitoba.

• Ontario Corps has been successfully deployed on several occasions this year, including during the 2025 wildland fire response and the 2025 spring ice storm

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Quotes

"Ontario’s new Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters will be a state-of-the-art complex designed to keep our communities supported and protected during natural disasters and other emergencies. Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is delivering on our more than $220 billion capital plan to build the critical infrastructure our province needs to keep workers on the job, drive economic growth and protect Ontario."

Todd McCarthy

Acting Minister of Infrastructure

"The Salvation Army is proud to be an Ontario Corps member and grateful for our partnership with our colleagues and the Ontario government. With the province’s new state-of-the-art Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters underway, Ontario Corps will be even better equipped to protect communities 24/7. Together, we’re stronger in supporting Ontarians in times of need."

Dan Millar

Assistant Territorial Director of Emergency Disaster Services, The Salvation Army

"Ontario’s investment in a modern, purpose-built Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters is an important step toward strengthening the province’s overall emergency management system. As a disaster response organization operating across Ontario, Team Rubicon Canada sees firsthand how modern infrastructure, unified coordination and rapid information flow translate into faster, safer and more effective support for communities."

Mischa Kaplan

CEO, Team Rubicon Canada

"As part of Ontario Corps, we see firsthand the importance of collaboration, information and resource sharing when responding to emergencies here in Ontario. Steps like the creation of this new facility will only help increase the speed and efficiency of future responses. We are proud to be a part of this innovation and look forward to seeing the impacts it will create."

Rahul Singh

Executive Director, GlobalMedic

"Kenora Chiefs Advisory is encouraged by the province’s investment in a modern emergency response headquarters. Strong, coordinated systems are essential to supporting First Nation communities, and ensuring we have these systems in place allows the opportunity to try and navigate these emergencies before they grow. We are committed and excited to continue our partnership and working alongside Ontario as these plans move forward."

Chief Chris Skead

Acting Board President, Kenora Chiefs Advisory

"The Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres welcomes and fully supports the Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response’s plans to establish a new Provincial Emergency Operations Centre. This facility will strengthen coordinated emergency responses across the province and improve the capacity of Friendship Centres to deliver immediate relief, essential items and culturally grounded supports to displaced Indigenous people and communities. We look forward to working together to improve emergency response for Indigenous people in urban spaces."

Sean Longboat

Executive Director, Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres

"As a proud Ontario Corps partner, Ontario 211 is excited to see meaningful progress on the new Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters in Toronto. The new state-of-the-art facility will enhance the system capacity and coordination needed to support vulnerable communities and residents across Ontario who are impacted by emergencies."

Karen Milligan

Executive Director, Ontario 211 Services

"Radio Amateurs of/du Canada congratulates the Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response on the development of its new headquarters. This investment strengthens Canada’s national readiness and reinforces the importance of resilient, diversified communication capabilities. We look forward to continued collaboration with the ministry as we work together to enhance public safety, improve interoperability and ensure that Canadians are supported when they need it most."

Allan Boyd

President, Radio Amateurs of/du Canada

"As a trauma-specialized mental health organization, ATTCH Niagara is honoured to support Ontario’s vision for an emergency system that protects both physical safety and psychological well-being. By embedding trauma-responsive care and psychosocial supports into emergency preparedness, response and recovery, the province is helping communities recover more quickly, reduce long-term mental health impacts and build lasting resilience across Ontario."

Lori Gill

Clinical Director, Attachment and Trauma Treatment Centre for Healing (ATTCH) Niagara

"St. John Ambulance Ontario warmly congratulates the Ontario Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response on the building of their new headquarters, which will serve as a cornerstone for emergency services in the province. This modern facility will stand as a significant achievement in enhancing community safety and reflects an ongoing dedication to the well-being of all residents, as well as reaffirming support for organizations like St. John that play key roles in emergency response. We look forward to witnessing the positive influence this centre will have on emergency preparedness and response throughout Ontario."

Brian Cole

CEO, St. John Ambulance Ontario

"OSARVA welcomes Ontario’s investment in a modern Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters. This facility will strengthen coordination, enhance training and improve readiness for all hazards. We look forward to working with Ontario Corps and partners to ensure communities across the province remain safe and resilient."

Emilie Kissler

Vice President and Northeast Director, Ontario Search and Rescue Volunteer Association (OSARVA)

"Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex is proud to contribute to Ontario’s growing emergency preparedness capabilities. As we pilot Habitat’s first provincial emergency response program from Windsor-Essex, our focus remains on supporting families and communities. Our team of leaders and volunteers are trained, equipped and ready to respond. The new Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters is a vital investment in keeping Ontarians safe and we are honoured to stand with the province as a partner in building a stronger, more resilient Ontario."

Fiona Coughlin

CEO, Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex

"IFNA welcomes Ontario’s investment in a modern Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters. Strengthening provincial coordination and readiness is important for the safety of all communities in Ontario, including the First Nations who are most frequently affected by northern evacuations. Ensuring Indigenous leadership is integrated into this system is essential to making it work on the ground. IFNA, together with our First Nations partners, stands ready to help align federal planning, provincial infrastructure and Indigenous-led operational capabilities so that all parties are working toward a coordinated, culturally grounded and effective evacuation system for northern First Nations."

Jonathan Gregg

Chief Executive Officer, Independent First Nations Alliance (IFNA)