Ontario is advancing plans for a new Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters in Etobicoke, designed to strengthen provincial emergency management and provide a modern home for Ontario Corps volunteers. Strategically located on 17 acres near Toronto Pearson Airport and major highways, the facility will serve as a 24/7 command centre to coordinate responses to emergencies such as wildfires, floods, and ice storms.
The government has awarded the functional programming contract to WZMH Architects, a step that will define the building’s operational requirements, functions, and technology needs before the design stage. The headquarters will be purpose-built to withstand hazards and provide coordinated, real-time support to communities across Ontario.
Ontario Corps volunteers contributed more than 6,000 hours in 2025 alone, assisting with wildfire evacuations, flood relief, wellness checks, and community support. Provincial emergency teams also managed one of the busiest emergency seasons on record, with 42 local emergencies declared so far this year and field officers deployed for over 1,000 combined days. The facility is expected to enhance efficiency, communication, and coordination for all emergency services and partner organizations.
Officials say the new headquarters is part of a broader provincial infrastructure plan, supporting economic growth, job creation, and long-term resilience. Stakeholders, including Ontario Corps partners, Indigenous organizations, and disaster relief groups, have welcomed the project, emphasizing that modern facilities and unified systems are essential for effective emergency management.
Construction planning will continue in 2026, with the goal of equipping Ontario’s emergency management system with the tools and infrastructure needed to respond quickly and safely to emergencies, protect communities, and support volunteers and frontline responders across the province.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
