Ontario Launches Relief Programs to Support Communities and Small Businesses After Ice Storm

New provincial funding to aid cleanup and recovery in storm-affected areas across central and eastern Ontario

Toronto, ON — The Ontario government has announced two new one-time financial assistance programs to help municipalities, small businesses, farms, and not-for-profits recover from the severe ice storm that swept across central and eastern Ontario on March 28, 2025.

The storm knocked out power to nearly 400,000 homes and businesses, downed trees, and caused widespread damage. In response, the province is rolling out two targeted relief programs:

• Municipal Ice Storm Assistance Program – to help municipalities cover eligible emergency response and clean-up costs.

• Business Ice Storm Assistance Program – to provide up to $5 million in support for small businesses, small farms, and not-for-profit organizations for storm-related damages not covered by insurance.

“Our government is stepping up to provide impacted communities with the resources they need to recover and rebuild,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “These new programs will deliver critical financial support to help make communities safe, protect local jobs and get businesses back on their feet.”

Support for Cleanup and Essential Repairs

Under the Municipal Ice Storm Assistance Program, eligible costs include removal of downed trees, hazardous branch clearing along roads and trails, and restoring safe public infrastructure. The funding amount will be based on eligible costs submitted by each affected municipality.

For small businesses and non-profits, the Business Ice Storm Assistance Program offers financial relief for essential repairs and clean-up expenses not covered by insurance. The application deadline for both programs is October 31, 2025.

Local Leaders Welcome Support

“Municipal governments are on the front lines in responding to emergencies and disasters resulting from extreme weather events. The ice storm of 2025 is a prime example,” said Robin Jones, Mayor of Westport and President of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). “Help from these programs is welcome, as it will help to offset some of the significant costs from the response and clean-up efforts.”

“In the immediate aftermath of the ice storm, our government deployed Ontario Corps within 24 hours to assist with urgent tasks like debris removal and wellness checks,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response. “Now we’re stepping up again with financial support to help municipalities and businesses recover.”

More details, eligibility requirements, and application forms for both programs are available online via Ontario’s official government website.

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