Stone, sand and gravel industry joins Ontario emergency response network

What happened

• The Ontario government added the Ontario Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (OSSGA) as a partner in Ontario Corps to provide equipment and expertise during emergencies.

Who this affects

• Municipalities and communities facing floods, wildland fires and other local emergencies.

What the partner will provide

• Access to members and construction equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, trucks, snow removal machinery, portable generators, pumps and drones.
• Support for flood mitigation, debris removal, restoration, transporting supplies and similar response tasks.

How fast it can deploy

• Ontario Corps can be mobilized within 24–72 hours to send personnel, tools, supplies, flood barriers and other resources.

Volunteers and coordination

• People of all skill levels can volunteer; they will receive training and be matched to partner organizations based on skills and availability.
• A new Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters will serve as the future 24/7 command centre for Ontario Corps.

By the numbers (from the release)

• OSSGA represents over 280 producers and suppliers.
• Their members supply the majority of about 164 million tonnes of aggregate used each year in the province.

Other context in the release

• OSSGA joins other Ontario Corps partners such as The Home Depot Canada, Uber Canada, Ontario Mine Rescue and Niagara College.
• Ontario Corps has been used previously for summer flooding in Niagara Region and the 2026 wildland fire season.