By Emily Stonehouse
Nearly one full year after an ice storm that shut down the province, Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock, Laurie Scott, announced funding opportunities for storm recovery.
According to a press release that was shared on March 17, over $500,000 will be funneled into the region, in an effort to cover emergency recovery and clean-up costs. The County of Haliburton received $184,000, Highlands East earned $9,000, and Minden Hills received the biggest piece of the pie, with $332,000.
“The end of March 2025 brought a storm like no other to the communities in our region,” said Scott. “Our provincial government recognized the need to financially support our municipalities, who played a critical role in cleaning up the widespread devastation.”
Other recipients of the funding include Brock Township with $574,000, and City of Kawartha Lakes at $25,561,000.
While the funding announcement came shortly after the most recent ice event, it was done in a direct response to the 2025 storm.
“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.”
Dave Burton, the warden for the County of Haliburton and the mayor of Highlands East, was appreciative of the funding opportunity. “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,” he said. “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.”
Minden Mayor Bob Carter echoed Burton’s sentiments. “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,” he said. “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.”
Carter went on to note that he hopes the multiple tiers of governance continue to support one another. “Managing through the event and the subsequent substantial recovery, aided by funds from the Province, is a recipe for how the government works together for the people of Ontario.”
