Province Welcomes The Home Depot Canada to Ontario Corps
May 22, 2026
Ontario building network of partners and volunteers to protect communities during emergencies and disasters
TORONTO — The government is continuing to expand Ontario Corps by welcoming its latest partner, The Home Depot Canada, to leverage its people, expertise, supplies and properties during an emergency. Through Ontario Corps, the province is delivering on its plan to protect Ontario by creating a network of partners and dedicated volunteers ready to respond to local emergencies and deploy critical resources at a moment’s notice.
“As a network of more than 20,000 dedicated experts and volunteers, Ontario Corps members are ready to respond to local emergencies at a moment’s notice,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Home Depot’s province-wide network of locations and emergency supplies will help ensure critical resources are available where they’re needed and when they’re needed.”
The Home Depot Canada Foundation, its associate volunteer force “Team Depot” and other partners work together to prepare before a disaster strikes and provide supplies for quick deployment in the immediate aftermath of an emergency.
When severe weather is expected, The Home Depot Canada can transport products such as generators, water, tarps, flashlights, plywood, blankets and batteries from its distribution centers and vendors, helping to ensure disaster response kits are available in impacted communities. It can monitor and manage its supply chain so that stores are stocked with the right supplies and that emergency equipment is prioritized and available when needed.
The Home Depot Canada stores and parking lots can also serve as command centres for first responders and emergency management partners, while its website can offer guidance on how to clean up and rebuild after an emergency.
“We are proud to welcome The Home Depot Canada to the Ontario Corps team. They will play a key role in helping move critical equipment and supplies to communities across the province,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response. “This is not the first time The Home Depot Canada has stepped up in times of need – their strong track record in emergency preparedness and response will be an invaluable asset to our network of partners and volunteers.”
The Ontario Corps network can be mobilized within 24 to 72 hours to help communities hit hard by emergencies, deploying resources such as personnel, debris removal tools, supplies, flood barriers and drones.
People of all skill levels and professional backgrounds are encouraged to answer the call and volunteer for Ontario Corps.
Quick Facts
- Ontario Corps answered the call in the Township of Minden Hills, the Township of Whitewater Region, the Town of French River and the City of Greater Sudbury to help fill and place sandbags and deliver support at a reception centre during spring flooding.
- Ontario Corps was also successfully deployed during the 2025 ice storm and wildland fire response.
- A new, state-of-the-art Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters will serve as the future home of Ontario Corps. This facility will be equipped with cutting-edge technology needed to protect Ontario as the 24/7, year-round emergency command centre.
- The Home Depot Canada is the country’s largest home improvement retailer, operating 182 stores across Canada and employing over 35,000 associates coast-to-coast, with 88 stores and approximately 19,000 associates in Ontario.
Quotes
“The Home Depot Canada is proud to partner with Ontario Corps to help communities in need – exactly when they need it most. Through our end-to-end disaster strategy, we remain committed to supporting emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and rebuilding the communities we call home. Together, we can continue to build hope in communities impacted by natural disasters.”
– Vinod Nalajala
President, The Home Depot Canada
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