Niagara College signs on to recruit students and staff for Ontario Corps

What happened

• Niagara College joined Ontario Corps to encourage students, staff and faculty to volunteer for emergency response and resilience activities.
• The college will also share emergency-management expertise and take part in outreach and information sessions.

Why it matters

• Ontario Corps can be mobilized within 24–72 hours to support communities hit by emergencies, deploying personnel and equipment (debris removal tools, supplies, flood barriers, drones).
• Adding a post-secondary partner expands the pool of trained volunteers and institutional knowledge available during disasters.

By the numbers (from the release)

• Niagara College: more than 10,000 full-time students; 600+ staff and faculty; 130+ programs.
• Ontario Corps already includes partners such as The Home Depot Canada, Labatt Breweries, Ontario Mine Rescue and others.

What volunteers can expect

• People of all skill levels are welcome, will receive training, and be matched with partner organizations based on skills, interests and availability.

Future note

• A new Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters will serve as the planned 24/7 command centre for Ontario Corps.