The City of Pembroke will conduct a full-scale emergency training exercise on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the Pembroke Memorial Centre to practice responding to a simulated hazardous materials leak. The training will run from approximately 9:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is designed to ensure local emergency responders are prepared to handle complex incidents while maintaining public safety.
The exercise will involve a coordinated response from several agencies, including the Pembroke Fire Department, the County of Renfrew Paramedic Service, the Ontario Provincial Police, the Ottawa River Power Corporation, and the Central Ambulance Communications Centre in Renfrew. During the drill, the city will also activate its emergency operations centre to manage the scenario in real time.
Residents are being reassured that there is no actual risk to the public and that emergency vehicles will not use lights or sirens during the training. While local schools and transportation providers have been notified and do not expect any impact on school operations or bus routes, there will be temporary road closures around the arena. Lake Street will be closed between Christie Street and Frank Nighbor Street, while Monroe Street will be restricted to local traffic only with controlled access in place.
This initiative is overseen by Fire Chief Scott Selle, who serves as the community emergency management coordinator. The Pembroke Memorial Centre, which opened in 1951, is a central hub for the community and serves as the home of the Pembroke Lumber Kings.
