After a summer of severe storms and heavy rains, a new partnership between the Province of Ontario and a Bracebridge-based sand and gravel association could provide the support the region needs for when big storms wreak havoc on Ontario’s flood-prone cottage country.
The partnership is between the Ontario Corps, a network of trained volunteers and organizations that support communities during natural disasters and emergencies, and the Ontario Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (OSSGA), which represents roughly 280 stone, sand, and gravel producers and suppliers.
By looping the OSSGA into the Ontario Corps, communities across the province will benefit from access to “expertise and available construction equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, trucks, snow removal machinery, portable generators, and pumps” in the midst of an emergency, according to a press release from the Province. During a flooding event, this would mean transporting people and supplies, cleaning up debris, and restoring affected areas.
“Welcoming Ontario Stone, Sand and Gravel Association to the Ontario Corps network means we can better facilitate access to heavy machinery and key expertise during emergencies,” says Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response, in the release. “In the event of a flood, wildland fire, or other emergency, we can assist municipalities in getting critical equipment and resources mobilized quickly to impacted communities.”
At the September 8 press conference, held at Fowler Construction in Bracebridge, Fowler president and CEO John MacKay highlighted what OSSGA’s involvement in the Ontario Corps means for the region.
“Here in Muskoka and across Ontario, we understand firsthand the importance of preparedness, coordination, and resilience,” he said. “In fact, this site back in 2019 was where all the sandbagging occurred and went on for days and days to help the industry and community come together to really address the flooding that had occurred on the Muskoka River.”
Just this April, Muskoka experienced severe spring flooding across 12 communities that led Minden to declare a state of emergency. With events like these becoming more common as climate change worsens, the hope is that OSSGA joining the Ontario Corps will provide much-needed additional support when disaster strikes.
“OSSGA joining Ontario Corps is great news for communities across Ontario,” says Graydon Smith, MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka. “Their people, equipment, and experience will strengthen our ability to respond when emergencies happen and help protect residents, cottagers, homes, roads, and other important infrastructure.”
Mayor of the Township of Muskoka Lakes, Peter Kelley, agrees. “Given the significant weather events that our region has experienced in recent years,” he says, “it’s reassuring to know this added support is available should we need it.”
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