Scugog modernizes Emergency Management Program amid changing conditions

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

SCUGOG: An updated Emergency Management Program and Emergency Response Plan will help ensure the Township of Scugog is ready to respond to any emergency which might come its way.

The new plan was presented to Council by, Alternate Community Emergency Management Program Coordinator (CEMC), Jacqueline Bjorklund and Fire Chief Mike Matthews at a recent meeting, where both emphasized the importance of keeping Scugog’s emergency procedures current and effective.

“The Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act requires every municipality to have a complete emergency management program,” Ms. Bjorklund told Council. “Our updated plan reflects new provincial guidance, recent staff training, and some organizational changes here in Scugog.”

Since the last plan was adopted, in 2022, the Township has seen departmental restructuring, new staff appointments, and updated titles. Ms. Bjorklund explained, recent training with Emergency Management Ontario helped identify opportunities to modernize Scugog’s program. “It’s really a complete rewrite,” she said. “We now have a more concise by-law and a stronger, clearer plan [which] aligns with current industry standards.”

The timing of the update is also important. A new provincial bill, Bill 25, the Emergency Management Modernization Act, 2025, has been introduced at Queen’s Park. If passed, it will allow municipalities more flexibility to design emergency programs which suit their specific needs and capacity.

Fire Chief Mike Matthews said, the revised plan gives Scugog the tools and structure needed to respond effectively when emergencies occur. “This plan ensures, when something happens, whether it’s severe weather, flooding, or another large-scale incident, our teams can act quickly and work together efficiently,” he said.

Under the plan, the Township’s Community Emergency Management Program Committee (EMPC), made up of the Mayor, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), and Fire Chief will oversee compliance and review the plan each year. The Municipal Emergency Control Group (MECG), which includes senior staff and directors from key departments, will lead the Township’s response during any declared or undeclared emergency.

Communications, during an emergency, will be handled by the Emergency Information Officer (EIO), who serves as the primary contact for the public and media.

Described as an “all-hazards” plan, the document provides a framework for responding to both natural and human-caused events. While the main plan will be available to the public on the Township’s website, supporting materials, such as contact lists and hazard assessments, will remain confidential for security reasons.

“This updated plan keeps Scugog compliant with provincial requirements,” said Ms. Bjorklund. “But more importantly, it ensures we’re prepared to protect our residents and coordinate effectively when an emergency occurs.”

Council unanimously supported the recommendations, including passing the new by-law and posting the Emergency Response Plan online, at www.scugog.ca. A copy will also be sent to Emergency Management Ontario.

The report confirmed there are no budget impacts, as emergency management expenses are already part of the Fire Department’s annual operating budget.

Regional Councillor, Ian McDougall moved the motion which was seconded by Councillor Harold Wright and carried unanimously.

For residents, the Township encourages everyone to review the updated Emergency Response Plan, once it is posted online, and take time to prepare their own household emergency kits. More information about emergency preparedness can be found on the Township’s website and through Emergency Management Ontario’s “Be Prepared” resources.