New grant helps communities prepare for extreme weather events
Posted Jun 21, 2026 12:03:22 PM.
Last Updated Jun 21, 2026 12:03:27 PM.
A new grant was approved on Tuesday for a three-year pilot Extreme Weather Preparedness Grant Program to help communities prepare for extreme weather events.
The Environment and Climate Change Committee and the Emergency Preparedness and Protective Services Committee approved this program given the uptick in frequent and intense extreme weather in Ottawa — including heat waves, flooding and ice storms. The grant will be used to help communities prepare, respond and recover to these events more effectively.
The program in in direct response to what the community has advocated for — better preparedness. Less than one-third of survey respondents in an online public engagement survey reported having a community emergency plan, so the program will help close that gap by giving communities the tools they need to feel and be ready.
According to a release, a $1 million investment will be made over three years for Ottawa neighbourhoods. Additionally, $55,000 per year will go to local non-profit organizations for neighbourhood-level preparedness. Community associations, non-profits and other local groups aimed at supporting residents that can deliver projects at a neighbourhood level will be eligible to receive funding.
The money will support “practical, on-the-ground solutions like creating community emergency plans, training volunteers and improving coordination and public awareness,” reads the release.
The grant program will also help communities respond faster during emergency weather events, giving resources to residents to help ease pressure on first responders and social services. It will help residents buy and share essential equipment and supplies, including mobile generators and power stations, temporary shelters, cooling and warming solutions and items like radios, safety equipment and emergency kits.
