Ontario Mine Rescue is joining Ontario Corps, the provincial government’s emergency response network, bringing specialized rescue equipment and trained volunteers to communities across the province.
The partnership gives the province access to mine rescue stations in nine communities and equipment stored at 34 additional mining sites — resources that can be deployed during floods, wildfires, structural collapses and other large-scale emergencies.
Who is Ontario Mine Rescue
Ontario Mine Rescue (OMR) has trained and supported volunteers responding to underground fires, rescues and complex emergencies in the mining sector for more than 90 years. Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, every underground mine in Ontario is required to establish and maintain a mine rescue program. OMR operates as part of Workplace Safety North.
OMR stations are located in:
- Delaware
- Kirkland Lake
- Marathon
- Onaping
- Red Lake
- Sudbury
- Thunder Bay
- Timmins
- Wawa
Each station carries specialized equipment including rope rescue systems, structural collapse gear, thermal imaging technology, breathing apparatuses and power tools.
What Ontario Corps does
Ontario Corps brings together skilled professionals and trained volunteers who can be mobilized quickly when emergencies hit. The network can deploy debris removal tools, flood barriers, drones and other supplies on short notice. It was activated several times in 2025, including during a spring ice storm and a wildfire response.
People of all skill levels are encouraged to sign up as volunteers. The province says volunteers will receive initial training and be matched with partner organizations based on their skills, interests and availability.
“Ontario Mine Rescue has always been built on the principle that when emergencies happen, trained people working together can make the difference between tragedy and rescue,” said Shawn Rideout, chief mine rescue officer at Ontario Mine Rescue. “By collaborating and sharing our expertise, we are helping ensure Ontario has the capacity and coordination needed to respond effectively and support communities when they need it most.”
Looking ahead
The province has announced plans for a new Emergency Preparedness and Response Headquarters that will serve as a year-round command centre and permanent home for Ontario Corps. In 2024, the government also announced a partnership with Northern College in Timmins to establish a regional emergency hub in northern Ontario.
Jill Dunlop, minister of emergency preparedness and response, said OMR’s network will help the province respond quickly in rural and remote areas. “As an Ontario Corps partner, they can provide the experienced personnel and rescue equipment we need to respond quickly and effectively when emergencies strike across the province, especially in rural and remote communities.”
