Ontario Investing $49K in Emergency Preparedness in LaSalle

The government is taking action to protect Ontario by investing $49,979.00 in LaSalle to help prepare for and respond to emergencies. Funding provided to LaSalle Fire Service is being delivered through the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant (CEPG), which strengthens emergency preparedness by helping communities improve their local resilience.

“Investing in emergency preparedness helps prevent damage to homes and communities, saves lives, and keeps people safe. Our government is making sure LaSalle has the tools it needs to respond quickly and effectively when emergencies happen,” said Anthony Leardi, MPP for the riding of Essex.

“This investment is an important step in keeping our community safe and prepared. LaSalle’s location near significant waterways means we need to be ready to respond. This funding helps ensure LaSalle Fire Service has the resources needed to protect our residents and property” said Mayor Crystal Meloche.

“It’s critical that our fire service is prepared when emergencies occur. This funding allows us to strengthen our flood response and rescue capabilities by ensuring our firefighters have the right tools and support. This assists in ensuring safe, well-coordinated responses to protect our community,” said Director of Fire Service/Fire Chief Ed Thiessen.

LaSalle will use this funding to enhance its emergency preparedness by improving flood response and water rescue capabilities. With its proximity to the Great Lakes and surrounding rivers, the town faces increased risks from flooding, seasonal rain events, and extreme weather. Funding will support the acquisition of a rescue craft and an inflatable incident command structure, strengthening emergency coordination, protecting property, and helping keep residents safe.

“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.”