The Town of Hanover Council held a special meeting on March 30, 2026, to authorize a provincial grant that will upgrade local emergency technology and improve response capabilities for the community.
Council members passed Bylaw 3387-26, which secures $39,511 in funding through the Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response. This provincial grant, which is part of a broader investment across Ontario, is dedicated to modernizing the town’s Emergency Operations Centre to ensure communications remain reliable during crisis situations.
The funding will allow the town to purchase several pieces of equipment, including a Satellite-in-a-Box system to provide backup internet access, a new conferencing system, and a mobile drone unit. Additionally, the town will acquire an AquaEye Pro Command, a sonar search tool designed to speed up water rescue operations. This tool will not only benefit Hanover but can also be deployed to assist five neighbouring municipalities during water-related emergencies or flooding.
Mayor Sue Paterson, who is currently serving her third term, is now inviting residents to share their input on local emergency preparedness priorities. This feedback will help inform the work of the town’s Emergency Management Program Committee, which oversees local safety programs and includes leadership from the town, such as Fire Chief and Community Emergency Management Coordinator Jeff Dentinger.
The Town of Hanover is required to complete these technology upgrades by June 30, 2026, and must submit a final report by September 25, 2026.
