Ontario Supporting Ice Storm Recovery in Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock
March 17, 2026
HKLB —To protect Ontario and keep communities safe, the government is providing up to $26,834,000 for ice storm assistance in Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock. 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.
“The end of March 2025 brought a storm like no other to the communities in our region,” said Laurie Scott, MPP for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock. “Our provincial government recognized the need to financially support our municipalities, who played a critical role in cleaning up the widespread devastation.”
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 Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock, the storm
caused downed hydro lines, extensive tree damage, with prolonged power outages and extensive tree
damage.
The following municipalities are receiving funding:
| Municipality | Maximum Provincial Assistance (Rounded) |
| Brock | $574,000 |
| Cavan Monaghan | $174,000 |
| County of Haliburton | $184,000 |
| Highlands East | $9,000 |
| Kawartha Lakes | $25,561,000 |
| Minden Hills | $332,000 |
**all costs are after cost-sharing
“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 Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock 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:
“On behalf on Council, Staff and residents of the Township of Brock, I would like to give my thanks and
appreciation to our MPP Laurie Scott, and the Province of Ontario, for the approval of emergency funding to assist with clean-up from the devastating 2025 ice-storm. This provincial funding is critical for our small, rural municipality.” – Mayor Michael Jubb, Township of Brock.
“We are very appreciative to MPP Scott and the Provincial government for helping offset the tremendous costs incurred by our Township and the many others across Ontario during the Ice Storm in March of 2025. Knowing this support would be there allowed our staff to focus on addressing and responding to the urgent needs of our community.” – Mayor Matthew Graham, Township of Cavan Monaghan.
“On behalf of Haliburton County Council and the rate payers of Haliburton County, we extend our sincere
appreciation to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for providing approximately $184,000 of funding through the 2025 Municipal Ice Storm Assistance program. This funding plays an important role in supporting the County’s recovery efforts following the significant ice storm that occurred during the spring of 2025, helping to offset the substantial costs associated with emergency response and cleanup. The Province’s support is greatly appreciated and demonstrates a strong commitment to assisting rural municipalities as they respond to and recover from severe weather events.” – Warden Dave Burton, County of Haliburton.
“Highlands East appreciates the Province stepping up with funding through the Municipal Ice Storm Assistance Program to help address the additional and unexpected expenses resulting from the widespread damage caused by the March 2025 ice storm. This Provincial support, with eligibility of up to $9,000 for the Municipality of Highlands East, helps offset costs incurred in responding to what was truly an unprecedented storm event for our community.” – Mayor Dave Burton, Township of Highlands East.
“The Ice Storm last year was a significant event for Kawartha Lakes, one that affected every resident in all
corners of our municipality and severely impacted our natural environment. The clean-up efforts took months to complete, and we are thankful for this funding from our partners at the Province which supported our response and recovery process. It’s a great example of provincial and municipal governments working together to provide assistance to residents and property owners during emergency events.” – Mayor Doug Elmslie, City of Kawartha Lakes.
“The Township of Minden Hills is grateful for the funding from the Government of Ontario to help us defray the unexpected costs generated by last year’s ice storm. The combination of our staff with the support of the Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response and, the assistance of many other municipalities and organizations, allowed us to tackle the emergency. Managing through the event and the subsequent, substantial recovery and, aided by funds from the Province, is a recipe for how government works together for the people of Ontario.” – Mayor Bob Carter, Township of Minden Hills
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- Ontario Supporting Spring Ice Storm Recovery
- Municipal Ice Storm Assistance
- Business Ice Storm Assistance
MEDIA CONTACT
Richard Ovcharovich
Legislative Assistant
Office of MPP Laurie Scott
Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock
705-324-6654
richard.ovcharovich@pc.ola.org