Barrie expected to recoup majority of $25M in damages from March ice storm
Reflecting back on the severe winter storm that struck the Barrie area in March, the city is now expecting to recoup the majority of its estimated $25 million in damages from downed power lines to fallen trees.
City officials confirmed that Barrie will be submitting a claim through Ontario's Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance program to cover most of the costs. According to estimates, the city will only be responsible for about $3 million by the end of it.
The program allows municipalities to receive up to 95 per cent funding for costs that exceed $8.5 million. The $22 million Barrie anticipates receiving will go toward expenses like debris cleanup, equipment rentals, and infrastructure repairs.
Ontario's Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response, Jill Dunlop, stopped by the CTV studio on Friday. While she did not speak specifically to Barrie's application, she acknowledged the widespread impact the storm had on the region.
'Disaster relief is there to support municipalities,' said Dunlop. 'Myself, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and the Premier had the opportunity to view the devastated areas from Orillia to the Kawarthas. We recognize the disaster that hit those areas, and we're working with officials now, hoping to have more to report in the near future.'
The city has until July 28 to submit its claim to the province.
However, not all recovery-related work is eligible for reimbursement. Stump grinding and tree replacement do not qualify under the assistance program.
To cover those remaining costs, Barrie council is expected to vote next week on a proposal to approve nearly $4 million from the city's capital reserve fund.
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