MPP Dunlop Announces Ontario Supporting Ice Storm Recovery in Simcoe North
Funding will help cover emergency response and clean up costs
Simcoe North ― To protect Ontario and keep communities safe, the government is providing up to $9,022,000.00 for ice storm assistance in Simcoe North. The funding is part of Ontario’s $90 million Municipal Ice Storm Assistance program and will help cover clean-up and emergency response costs due to a severe winter weather event on March 28, 2025.
“After the severe ice storm in March 2025, this provincial investment of just over $9 million will provide critical support to communities across Simcoe North,” said Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North. “This funding will help repair infrastructure, assist municipalities with recovery efforts, and ensure the communities have the resources they need to rebuild safely. The province’s support for Simcoe North demonstrates how essential it is to stand with our communities during challenging times and reflects our commitment to helping Ontarians recover and thrive.”
The March 28, 2025, storm resulted in widespread damage, leaving nearly 400,000 homes and businesses without power across central and eastern Ontario. In parts of Simcoe North, the storm caused extensive tree damage, downed hydro lines, and prolonged power outages.
The following municipalities are receiving funding:
**all costs are after cost-sharing
| Municipality | Maximum Provincial Assistance (rounded) |
| Orillia | 6,109,000 |
| Penetanguishene | 29,000 |
| Ramara | 1,526,000 |
| Severn | 1,234,000 |
| Tay | 42,000 |
| Tiny | 82,000 |
“Our government will always protect Ontario, especially in times of need,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “The relief being announced today will safeguard local jobs and help Simcoe North rebuild – stronger than ever.”
In June 2025, the Ontario government launched the Municipal Ice Storm Assistance program and Business Ice Storm Assistance program to help communities impacted by the storm.
Quick Facts
The province’s Business Ice Storm Assistance program is providing 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.
Quotes
“The City of Orillia was hit hard during the ice storm of 2025, with many of our residents enduring days, and some more than a week, without power,” said Orillia Mayor Don McIsaac. “This much-needed funding is a lifeline, and we are truly grateful for the more than $6M in provincial support. These funds will help recuperate the costs incurred cleaning up from the storm and repairing damaged infrastructure. On behalf of our entire community, thank you to the provincial government for not only providing critical financial assistance, but also for the hands-on support offered throughout the response and recovery when we needed it most.”
“On behalf of Council, staff and the residents of Penetanguishene, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Ontario Government for providing financial assistance to help municipalities recover from the March 2025 Ice Storm,” said Mayor Douglas Rawson. “This significant weather event impacted communities across the province, including our own, and placed considerable demands on local emergency response efforts. This funding is both important and greatly appreciated, and it helps ensure municipalities like Penetanguishene can continue to support our residents while managing the financial impacts of severe weather events.”
“On behalf of Ramara Township, I would like to thank the Province of Ontario and MPP Jill Dunlop for their support during the 2025 ice storm emergency and for this much-needed funding through the Municipal Ice Storm Assistance program. The storm placed extraordinary pressure on our community, and this funding will help offset the significant costs of the emergency response, including debris clean-up and infrastructure repairs. We appreciate the Province’s leadership in ensuring these unexpected expenses incurred by the Township do not fall solely on the residents of Ramara.” - Ramara Mayor, Basil Clarke
“The Township of Severn sincerely appreciates the support of the Province of Ontario and Minister Flack through the Municipal Ice Storm Assistance program. The March 2025 ice storm placed significant and unexpected pressures on our municipality, and this funding, with an initial payment of $431,629 and a full eligible amount of $1,234,000 following a detailed cost review, will play an important role in helping us manage the costs associated with our response and recovery. This assistance provides meaningful financial relief and helps ensure that the burden of these extraordinary storm-related expenses does not fall on our residents. On behalf of Council and our community, I extend our gratitude for this partnership and for the recognition of the tremendous work undertaken by our staff, emergency services, and community members throughout the storm and its aftermath. We are proud of how Severn came together, and we are thankful for this support that helps us continue moving forward.” – Mayor Mike Burkett, Township of Severn
"We appreciate the Province of Ontario’s support through the Municipal Ice Storm Assistance Program. The March 2025 ice storm had a significant impact on our community, and our crews worked long hours to keep roads safe, respond to damage, and maintain essential services for residents. We thank the provincial government for recognizing the pressures events like this place on municipalities and for supporting communities like Tay Township.” - Mayor Ted Walker, Tay Township
“We would like to thank the Province of Ontario, and more specifically Hon. Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response, for providing the Township of Tiny with funding through the Municipal Ice Storm Assistance Program,” said Mayor David Evans. “While our community showed extraordinary resilience through the 2025 ice storm, the damage incurred substantial costs for our team to respond to increased emergency calls, maintain clean drinking water, open warming centres, clean up fallen trees and debris, and reopen our roads and trails. This grant will help to offset a significant portion of the costs of the ice storm and reminds everyone to be prepared for emergencies.”
Additional Resources
Ontario Supporting Spring Ice Storm Recovery
Municipal Ice Storm Assistance
Business Ice Storm Assistance
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Contact:
Jacqueline Bayley
Executive Assistant to MPP Jill Dunlop
Jacqueline.bayley@pc.ola.org / 249-385-6244