Township of Tay and Severn Sound Environmental Association awarded Intact’s Municipal Climate Resiliency Grants to initiate flood planning and address local climate risks
Climate adaptation project to combine nature-based defences and data-driven planning for stronger, safer communities.
Port McNicoll, Township of Tay, September 25, 2025 – The Township of Tay is pleased to announce that, in partnership with the Severn Sound Environmental Association (SSEA), they have been selected as a recipient of funding through Intact Financial Corporation’s 2025 Municipal Climate Resiliency Grants program. This project, led by SSEA with Tay serving as the treasurer municipality, received a $200,000 grant to implement a flood resilience project tailored to the needs of all eight SSEA member municipalities. The project aims to restore natural defences and strengthen planning to help reduce the growing risks of flooding in the region's communities. This unique multi-jurisdiction project will collaborate with regional partners, regional expertise on flood risks and community preparedness.
As the frequency and severity of extreme weather continues to increase and drives more frequent and severe flood events occur across Ontario, the SSEA member municipalities are acting early to protect homes, ecosystems, and infrastructure.
Collaborating to Reduce Flood Risk Across the Severn Sound Watershed
Through this funding, SSEA will coordinate the Severn Sound Watershed Community Flood Risk Review, a multi-phase, multi-municipal initiative designed to identify flood-prone areas and develop regionally coordinated strategies for risk reduction across all SSEA municipalities. The Township of Tay will collaborate with SSEA and neighbouring member municipalities, including the Townships of Tiny, Severn, Springwater, Oro-Medonte, Georgian Bay, and the Towns of Midland and Penetanguishene, ensuring every member benefits from this collective effort.
The project includes a regional flood risk assessment and the development of preparedness tools, such as policy guidance, flood risk and prioritization mapping, and public information materials. Two stakeholder workshops will be held to engage regional partners and present a final case study report to participating municipalities.
The project is expected to begin implementation in October 2025, with results tracked through completion milestones.
This initiative is among 19 community-led projects across Canada selected by Intact as part of its expanded $3.1 million commitment to support climate adaptation through its Municipal Climate Resiliency Grant program.
This program is rooted in the belief that municipalities are on the front lines of climate change, and that providing them with tools tailored to their local needs is essential to building lasting community resilience. The 2025 cohort of grant recipients was selected from over 170 applicants and reflects a diverse mix of municipalities, registered charities, and Indigenous communities across the country.
“Tay is proud to be taking proactive steps to build a more resilient future. As a shoreline community, we’ve seen firsthand how flooding can affect our homes and natural spaces. Through this partnership with the SSEA and support from Intact Foundation, we’re strengthening our ability to plan ahead, protect our infrastructure, and preserve the environment our residents value. This project reflects our commitment to Tay Resilient, a pillar of our strategic plan, and we look forward to working with our neighbouring municipalities to advance this important regional effort.” Mayor Ted Walker, Township of Tay.
“As chair of the SSEA Board, we continue to collaborate on meaningful and impactful projects. Working together is how we address large issues like climate change and flooding risks. By collaborating across the Severn Sound watershed, we will be able to achieve more collectively and help communities address flood risks.” – SSEA Board Chair Danielle Alexander, Springwater Councillor.
“Tay and the SSEA are setting a powerful example of how rural communities can drive meaningful progress in climate resilience. By prioritizing scientific research, collaboration, and stewardship, they are developing projects that promise lasting benefits for the region. We are proud to support their commitment through our Municipal Climate Resiliency Grants program,” said Peter Janzen, Senior Vice President, Ontario, Intact Insurance.
Intact has been dedicated to climate adaptation for over a decade, investing more than $30 million since 2010 in over 100 projects. The Municipal Climate Resiliency Grants program was launched in 2021 to support municipalities, which own 60 per cent of Canada's infrastructure and serve as frontline responders when disasters strike. Under the program's first round of funding, Intact invested $1 million to fund 10 communities nationwide. In 2024, the organization announced plans to double its commitment from $1 to $2 million for the 2024-2025 program. With the overwhelming demand and urgent need, Intact recently announced that it has increased its program funding to $3.1 million over the next two years to support 19 communities throughout Canada.
To learn more about the program, visit: intactfc.com
How Intact is Supporting Canadians to Prepare for a Changing Climate:
- Intact recently launched a national, long-term prevention program called Keep It Intact. The program provides an array of tools, solutions, and practical advice to empower Canadians in protecting their properties. With many easily implemented and proven tips, homeowners can take proactive steps to help prevent or reduce damage from extreme weather.
- Through its partnership with the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation, Intact has released easy-to- follow infographics and simple maintenance steps explaining how Canadians can help protect their communities against extreme weather, including wildfire and floods.
Key Facts
- Summer of 2024 was the most destructive season in Canadian history for insured losses due to severe weather, totaling $7.1 billion. With 228,000 claims filed, this represents a 406% increase in claims due to severe weather events compared with the 20-year average.
- Climate change is increasing flood risk across Canada, with more frequent and intense rainfall events projected. What used to be 20-year extreme rainfall events could occur every five years by the end of the century.
- Municipalities own and operate 60% of the public infrastructure in Canada.
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About Intact Financial Corporation
Intact Financial Corporation (TSX: IFC) is the largest provider of Property and Casualty (P&C) insurance in Canada, a leading Specialty lines insurer with international expertise and a leader in Commercial lines in the UK and Ireland. The business has grown organically and through acquisitions to almost $24 billion of total annual operating direct premiums written (DPW).
In Canada, Intact distributes insurance under the Intact Insurance brand through agencies and a wide network of brokers, including its wholly-owned subsidiary BrokerLink. Intact also distributes directly to consumers through the belairdirect brand and affinity partnerships. Additionally, Intact provides exclusive and tailored offerings to high-net-worth customers through Intact Prestige.
In the US, Intact Insurance Specialty Solutions provides a range of Specialty insurance products and services through independent agencies, regional and national brokers, wholesalers and managing general agencies.
Across the UK, Ireland, and Europe, Intact provides Personal, Commercial and/or Specialty insurance solutions through the RSA, 123.ie, NIG and FarmWeb brands.
About Severn Sound Environmental Association
The Severn Sound Environmental Association is a Joint Municipal Service Board working on behalf of eight municipalities to protect and enhance the environmental health of the Severn Sound watershed. To learn more about SSEA and our initiatives, visit www.severnsound.ca.
Media Inquiries:
Jon Main
Sustainability and Climate Action Coordinator Severn Sound Environment Association
705-534-7283
sustainable@severnsound.ca
Caroline Audet
Manager, Media Relations and Public Affairs Intact Financial Corporation
416 227-7905 / 514 985-7165
media@intact.net