Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Government of Ontario has launched a Request for Proposals (RFP) to begin the process of constructing a new Ontario Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters. This structure, the largest update to Ontarioโs emergency command centre in over 15 years, will play a crucial role in enhancing the provinceโs ability to prepare for and respond to a wide range of disasters.
โThis new headquarters is a pivotal part of our plan to modernize emergency management, ensuring a better coordinated and enhanced response to emergencies across Ontario,โ said Jill Dunlop, Ontario’s Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response. โIn the coming weeks, our government is looking forward to working closely with stakeholders and experts to ensure this facility has the capabilities required to support a safe, practiced, and prepared Ontario and a resilient and strong emergency response system.โ
Located on surplus government property on Disco Road in Etobicoke, just near Toronto Pearson International Airport and major provincial highways, the new headquarters will be a fully secure, multifaceted complex.
Designed to operate 24/7 year-round, it will include dedicated training rooms, warehousing space, and aviation infrastructure. Built to withstand a wide range of natural disasters, including earthquakes, tornadoes, and floods, the facility will be equipped to handle the most demanding emergency scenarios.
In addition to its core functions as an emergency response command centre, the new headquarters will serve as the operations hub for Ontario Corps.
This group of skilled professionals and volunteers, which was announced in December 2024, has already played a vital role in responding to disasters, such as the recent ice storm in Central Ontario. Ontario Corps can be deployed quickly to assist communities during times of crisis, and the new headquarters will provide the infrastructure needed to support and coordinate these efforts.
The Ontario government is working with Infrastructure Ontario to ensure the new complex meets the highest standards of functionality and preparedness. As part of this process, an RFP for Functional Programming Services has been issued, marking the first step in the planning and design of the facility. This phase will define the systems and capabilities necessary to ensure the new headquarters can fulfill its critical role in Ontarioโs emergency response framework.
The new Ontario Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters will represent a major investment in the provinceโs disaster management infrastructure, bolstering Ontarioโs ability to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies, safeguarding the safety and resilience of communities across the province.
The RFP is available onย www.merx.com.