About ReadyPEC – A Community Approach to Preparedness

Prince Edward County (PEC)
Ontario, Canada

ReadyPEC is a community-led initiative focused on strengthening local readiness and mitigating the impact of crises, while helping reduce pressure on municipal emergency services by:

helping residents prepare in advance to deal with a crisis through practical household preparedness
strengthening neighbourhood connections so people can support each other during times of need.

⇓ Printable ReadyPEC Overview

Everyone has a role in building a stronger, more prepared community.

Learn more – Frequently Asked Questions about ReadyPEC

Why now?
Disruptions are no longer rare—they’re becoming more frequent, complex, and disruptive to our daily lives. Extreme weather, power outages, and supply chain interruptions are on the rise. Advance preparation for disruptions — natural, technological, health, or security-related — saves lives, protects homes, and eases pressure on emergency services.

Everyone has a role in building a strong, prepared community. ReadyPEC encourages residents to be prepared at home and look out for their neighbours—reducing pressure on emergency responders.

Community Readiness Organizers

This initiative brings together local subject-matter experts, local leaders, and The County Foundation. Organizers contribute diverse skills and experience, including:

⚬ Emergency management and military service
⚬ Local knowledge and community experience
⚬ Non-profit, business leadership and governance skills
⚬ Financial and organizational expertise
⚬ Media and communications skills

Organizers include:

Carson Arthur – County resident, business owner, and national TV environmentalist
Annik Depres – County resident and community connector
Katherine Dudtschak – Founder and CEO Sincerely Inc.; Former CEO of Home Equity Bank and Executive Vice President Personal and Commercial and CEO Caribbean at RBC; Author, Leadership Advisor, Speaker, and Community advocate.
Eva Kmiecic – (retired) senior executive with the federal government and non-profit sector
Carlyn Moulton – Local business owner and community connector.
Sandy Murray – Local business owner and community connector, Chartered Professional Accountant.
Ron Stakes – Retired military and military consultant, not-for-profit organizer
Karen Valihora- Publisher of The Picton Gazette and associate professor of English Literature at York University. Research focuses on community and democratic civil society. Specialist in media and communications.
Anne VanVlack – The County Foundation; supported by Tonya Sutherland-Stewart, providing data and backbone support.
Laura Wood – Head of PwC’s Global Defence Practice; advises Canada’s Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) on digital modernization, cyber, data, and AI strategies.

News & Events

Information Exchange About Community Readiness for Emergencies – April 22

On April 22, community organizations and local leaders gathered for a focused conversation on emergency preparedness in the face of disruptions.

Emergency Preparedness Event in Picton – May 3

On May 3, residents heard from local experts and received practical tips to better understand risks and take simple steps to prepare their households.