Community Navigation organizations play an important role during emergencies and disasters. This role can vary depending on the affected location and the phase of the event, including response, relief, and recovery.
Community Connection maintains comprehensive emergency planning to support both our team and the communities we serve. Our Emergency Operations Plan outlines disaster preparedness and response procedures for internal and external stakeholders, while our Business Continuity Plan guides organizational preparedness, response, and recovery activities.
We have established formal emergency response protocols with 36 municipalities (6 upper-tier and 30 lower-tier). Our team often participates in municipal training exercises to ensure readiness and coordination.
Our disaster preparedness and response practices are reviewed through the Inform USA reaccreditation process, ensuring alignment with recognized standards.
Since 2009, Community Connection has supported 27 disaster responses. Our approach is flexible and tailored to the unique needs of each community, the type of disaster, and its severity.
Disaster Response in Action
2025 Ice Storm
- March 28–30, 2025: A severe ice storm impacted Southern Ontario, leading to widespread power outages, blocked roads, and disrupted telecommunications
- Emergency Declarations: States of emergency were declared in Orillia and Oro-Medonte, with warming and relief centres activated
- 211 Response: Community Connection supported Tay Township, Oro-Medonte, and Orillia with call handling, transportation registration, volunteer coordination, and referrals for wellness checks and urgent needs
- Call Volume: Over a four-week period, 211 responded to 462 storm-related inquiries
- Navigator Support: Community Navigators assessed and documented needs, including transportation, wellness checks, meal delivery, volunteer support, and mental health services.
Grey Bruce Vaccine Line (2021)
In March 2021, as part of Grey and Bruce Counties’ emergency response efforts, Community Connection partnered with the Grey Bruce Public Health Unit to support the COVID-19 vaccine rollout by establishing a dedicated information phone line.
With limited resources, we engaged local Rotary Clubs and recruited more than 20 volunteers. Volunteers were trained to use Community Connection’s phone system remotely from their homes, with support at all times from a Community Navigator.
A toll-free line was launched and operated for 19 weeks:
- Calls Answered: 11,796
- Volunteer Hours: Nearly 1,800
- Impact: Callers expressed high levels of appreciation, and volunteers remained engaged, committed, and connected to the community throughout the initiative.