By Staff
April 30, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
On April 22, 2015, the Province committed to compensating Halton Region $2.8 million for response and recovery efforts related to the December 2013 severe ice storm. The storm left thousands of Halton residents without power for days, including Christmas day, resulting in significant impacts to the Halton community and the local environment. For several months following the storm, Halton Region provided special bulk brush and yard waste collection services to ensure resident safety, and to help clear streets and yards throughout the region.
It was more than the trees that got bent during the ice storm in December of 2013. Senior staff were working Christmas Day with work crews doing double shift to get power lines back up and electricity flowing. At one point hydro had to run a new line though some pretty rough terrain – but the lights did go back on.
“The December 2013 ice storm had a serious impact on our community, causing substantial damage to residences and businesses,” said Regional Chair Gary Carr. “We are very pleased that the Province is providing the funding we claimed which will help recover the significant cost from the storm response efforts.”
In April 2014, the Province announced the creation of the Ontario Ice Storm Assistance Program through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. The program is intended to provide financial support to municipalities and conservation authorities for ice storm related expenses. In early April of this year, Halton Region received an initial payment of nearly $1 million from the Province. The remaining $1.8 million is expected to be received by May 8, 2015.
“This is great news for Halton!” said Halton MPP Indira Naidoo-Harris. “With this support, the Ontario government is delivering on its commitment to assist those municipalities severely impacted by the 2013 ice storm. This funding is vital to helping cover damage-related costs and will go a long way to keeping our local communities strong.”
It was close to around the clock for hydro crews who had to cut down large branches that had fallen on hydro wire. Crews worked well into the evening several days.
“In 2013, a devastating ice storm swept much of our province causing significant damage to Burlington and surrounding communities. Municipal governments responded swiftly to help keep our residents safe by cleaning up debris and establishing warming shelters for those without power to light or heat their homes. While the need to better prepare for increasingly-common extreme weather events is apparent, this one-time disaster relief program will alleviate the financial impact of this storm on our region,” said Burlington MPP Eleanor McMahon. “I am pleased that our government is making this investment to assist with the cost of the storm, and I would like to thank and recognize the municipal and regional staff whose immediate and ongoing assistance helped residents in need.”
City of Burlington submitted a claim for approximately $3.3 million and received an interim payment of $1.16 – the balance of what is a very complex claim is being reviewed – so that cheque isn’t in the mail.
