The Ontario government is providing one-time financial assistance to support municipalities in parts of York Region, Simcoe County and surrounding areas impacted by the March 28, 2025 ice storm.
“Georgina was one of the hardest hit areas in Central Ontario during the Spring Ice Storm,” said Caroline Mulroney, MPP for York-Simcoe. “Through these programs, our government will help our communities as they recover from storms and natural disasters now and in the future.”
Through the Municipal Ice Storm Assistance program, municipalities can receive funding for emergency response and clean-up costs. The Business Ice Storm Assistance program offers support to eligible small businesses, farms, and not-for-profit organizations for expenses not covered by private insurance.
“Our government recognizes the extraordinary nature of this ice storm and is stepping up to ensure no one has to bear the financial burden of recovery alone,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “These new programs will deliver critical support to help communities rebuild, protect local jobs and get businesses back on their feet.”
The storm resulted in widespread damage, leaving nearly 400,000 homes and businesses without power across central and eastern Ontario. In parts of York Region and Simcoe County, the storm caused extensive tree damage, downed hydro lines, and prolonged power outages in several municipalities. Eligible applicants in York Region and Simcoe County have until October 31, 2025 to apply for support.
Eligibility, program guidelines and application details for the assistance programs are posted online on the Municipal Ice Storm Assistance program and Business Ice Storm Assistance program webpages.
Quick facts
- The Municipal Ice Storm Assistance program will help affected municipalities with emergency response and recovery costs, including clean-up of fallen trees and making communities safe from hazardous branches along roads and paths. The amount of funding will be based on eligible municipal costs.
- The Business Ice Storm Assistance program will provide up to $5 million for small businesses, small farms and not-for-profit organizations to assist with storm-related clean-up and essential repairs not covered by insurance.
- We are currently working with municipalities to establish their eligibility. Eligible municipalities will receive funding to help cover the costs of emergency response, debris clean-up, and repairs to essential infrastructure—ensuring that communities can recover quickly and safely.
Quotes
“The ice storm in March had a significant impact on the community in Pefferlaw, leaving many residents without power for more than a week, causing widespread damage to trees and hydro lines, and impacting local businesses. Provincial initiatives such as the Municipal Ice Storm Assistance Program and the Business Ice Storm Assistance Program will help communities like ours to recover quickly and safely while reducing the financial impact. We appreciate the province’s commitment to supporting both municipalities and small businesses in times of crisis.”
~ Margaret Quirk, Mayor, Town of Georgina
“On behalf of Georgina Fire and Rescues Services, I want to thank the Ontario government for its announcement of financial assistance following the ice storm this year. This support is instrumental in helping communities recover from the many challenges this unique storm brought. This funding reinforces the province’s commitment to public safety and emergency preparedness, and will assist with the costs associated with the response and recovery efforts.”
~ Ron Jenkins, Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Services, Town of Georgina