The Ontario government is providing financial support to help municipalities and small businesses recover from the severe ice storm that hit central and eastern Ontario on March 28.
Two one-time programs were announced this week: the Municipal Ice Storm Assistance program, and the Business Ice Storm Assistance program. Together, they aim to support clean-up, emergency response, and uninsured repair costs.
“Our government is stepping up to provide impacted communities with the resources they need to recover and rebuild,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
The storm caused widespread damage and left nearly 400,000 homes and businesses without power. Municipalities can apply for help with tree and debris removal, hazardous branch clearing, and other recovery work. Small businesses, not-for-profits and farms may be eligible for up to $5 million in funding for storm-related costs not covered by insurance.
“Municipal governments are on the front lines in responding to emergencies like this,” said Robin Jones, president of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. “This support will help offset some of the significant costs communities faced.”
Minister of Emergency Preparedness Jill Dunlop added that Ontario Corps teams were on the ground within 24 hours of the storm, and this next step continues the province’s commitment to recovery.
Applications are open until October 31, 2025. More information is available on the Ontario government’s website.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
