Ottawa committee OK's $1M fund for extreme weather preparation and responses

Ottawa’s city council has approved a $1 million grant program to help non-profit community groups prepare for and respond to extreme weather events. The funding, available over three years, targets eligible groups such as community associations, faith-based organizations, and small charities, with up to $50,000 per group annually for projects like emergency planning, training, and equipment purchases. The decision follows years of severe weather in Ottawa, including tornadoes in 2018 and 2023, a derecho in 2022, and recurring winter ice storms, spring flooding, and summer heatwaves. Councillor Clarke Kelly highlighted the need for community resilience, noting that local volunteers and organizations often provide the first line of support during emergencies. Funding will support initiatives such as developing community emergency plans, outreach and education, and training for climate-related risks. Eligible expenses include equipment like mobile generators, temporary shelters, flood barriers, and personal safety gear, provided recipients demonstrate a need and the ability to maintain the equipment. The program will be administered by the city’s office of emergency management, with recipients required to report on outcomes. City staff conducted a survey in March and April, receiving 72 responses from community groups, many of which reported climate-related risks but lacked emergency plans, revealing a significant preparedness gap. Staff will review the program’s progress after one year and again after the three-year pilot, providing findings and recommendations to councillors. The funding aims to address vulnerabilities and strengthen Ottawa’s ability to respond to increasingly frequent and intense weather events.