Ontario Supporting Ice Storm Recovery in Peterborough-Kawartha
March 12, 2026
Funding will help cover emergency response and clean-up costs
NEWS March 12, 2026
Peterborough-Kawartha – To protect Ontario and keep communities safe the government is providing up to $9,931,000 for ice storm assistance in Peterborough-Kawartha. 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 ice storm of March 2025 was one of the most significant weather events our region has ever faced, and I saw firsthand the immense strain it placed on our families, businesses, and municipal services,” said Dave Smith, MPP for Peterborough-Kawartha. “While the damage to our tree canopy and power grid was extensive, the spirit of our community remained unbroken. This $9.9 million investment is a vital step in our recovery, ensuring that the City and County of Peterborough have the resources they need to cover emergency costs without placing an undue burden on local taxpayers. Our government is committed to standing with our neighbors as we finish the cleanup and build a more resilient Peterborough-Kawartha.” MPP Smith added.
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 Peterborough and the Kawarthas, the storm caused a declared State of Emergency following over 30 hours of continuous freezing rain and 20-25 mm of ice accretion which downed thousands of trees, snapped hydro lines and left some rural residents without power for over a week.
Allocations for municipalities in Peterborough-Kawartha are as follows:
**all costs are after cost-sharing
| Municipality | Maximum Provincial Assistance (rounded) |
| County of Peterborough | $676,000 |
| Douro-Dummer | $301,000 |
| Havelock-Belmont-Methuen | $79,000 |
| North Kawartha | $49,000 |
| Peterborough | $7,950,000 |
| Selwyn | $373,000 |
| Trent Lakes | $503,000 |
“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 Peterborough-Kawartha 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
- 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
“The March 2025 ice storm tested every corner of our County, but it also revealed the incredible resilience and compassion of our communities. This provincial support reduces pressure on local taxpayers to pay for county and township storm recovery efforts. We are grateful to the Government of Ontario for standing with us as we rebuild stronger than before. We would like to personally thank Premier Ford, Minister Dunlop, Minister Lecce and our local representatives MPP Smith, MPP Scott and Minister Piccini for their support (visits, meetings, calls) and leadership throughout the ice storm!”
Bonnie Clark
Warden, Peterborough County
“Last year’s ice storm devastated our local infrastructure and left thousands without power for extended periods of time. The City of Peterborough responded swiftly to ensure the safety of residents. The damage to trees was extensive along our sidewalks, roads and trails as well as through our parks and public spaces. The confidence in the support from the Government of Ontario to effectively respond to the emergency situation allowed the City to focus on securing the safety of residents. On behalf of my colleagues on Peterborough City Council and all residents, I’d like to thank Premier Doug Ford, Ministers Rob Flack and Jill Dunlop, and MPP Dave Smith for all their assistance during that difficult time for our City. We are truly grateful for this funding, which will cover the majority of the City’s costs of our storm emergency response.”
Jeff Leal
Mayor, City of Peterborough
“The March ice storm had a significant impact on Douro-Dummer, with extensive damage to our tree canopy and blocked roads across the township. Our municipal staff, volunteer firefighters, and residents worked tirelessly in the days and weeks that followed to respond and begin the clean-up. We are grateful to the Province of Ontario for this support, which will help Douro-Dummer offset the substantial costs associated with storm response and recovery.”
Heather Watson
Mayor, Douro-Dummer
“Selwyn Township experienced significant impacts from the March 2025 ice storm, and I’m incredibly proud of how our staff, volunteers, and community came together to respond and support one another. While the storm resulted in substantial clean-up and recovery efforts across the Township, this funding will help offset the costs of emergency response and debris management while allowing us to continue investing in preparedness measures that strengthen our community’s resilience for future events.”
Sherry Senis
Mayor, Selwyn Township
“The Municipality of Trent Lakes is tremendously thankful for MPP Smith’s advocacy for the Trent Lakes community and having received this financial assistance through the Ontario Government.
Trent Lakes was in a Declaration of Emergency for 14 days. The devastation left roadways blocked with debris, buildings without power, and residents isolated in their homes. To this day, we still have impassable trails and damaged forests which will take years to restore. In the days following the storm, municipal Council, staff and volunteers went above and beyond the scope of their roles to support the community and ensure every resident was safe. As we mark one year later, we are reminded of the unity our region sets forth and that we will continue to support each other in challenges that come our way.”
Terry Lambshead
Mayor, Municipality of Trent Lakes
“Havelock-Belmont-Methuen is grateful for the support provided by the province following our municipality’s response to the March 2025 freezing rain event. Dangerous conditions, due to fallen tree branches and widespread power outages, necessitated a rapid response from municipal and outside crews, and also led to significant unanticipated expenses. This funding ensures that costs related to this generational storm do not increase the tax burden of local property owners. ”
Jim Martin
Mayor, Havelock-Belmont-Methuen
“North Kawartha is very grateful for the financial assistance received from the Province. The funding received has helped our Township cover the extra costs associated with the storm response and on-going clean up.” Thanks to MPP Smith, Minister Flack and Premier Ford for their understanding, advocacy and support.”
Carolyn Amyotte
Mayor, North Kawartha
Additional Resources
Ontario Supporting Spring Ice Storm Recovery
Municipal Ice Storm Assistance
Business Ice Storm Assistance
Media Contact
Dave Smith Action Centre
david.smith@pc.ola.org