Ontario Supporting Ice Storm Recovery in Northumberland-Peterborough South
March 19, 2026
Funding will help cover emergency response and clean up costs
MPP David Piccini and Ontario’s Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response Jill Dunlop recently saw firsthand in Otonabee-South Monaghan how investments from Ontario are better protecting communities across the province to prepare, plan, mitigate, respond, or recover from any emergency.
NORTHUMBERLAND, ON—To protect Ontario and keep communities safe, the government is providing up to $649,000 for ice storm assistance in Northumberland-Peterborough South. 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.
“Rural communities like ours felt the impact of the March 2025 ice storm in a big way,” said David Piccini, Member of Provincial Parliament, Northumberland-Peterborough South. “Our government is committed to protecting and supporting rural Ontario, especially in times of need. I am incredibly proud of the strength of our community during the storm. The Municipal Ice Storm Assistance program will ensure municipalities are able to recover and rebuild from the impacts of the storm, ensuring we are more resilient.”
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 Northumberland-Peterborough South, the storm resulted in thousands of residents to lose power. The accumulation of ice on trees resulted in trees falling, causing significant damage to homes and vehicles, and roads blocked by downed power lines.
The following municipalities are receiving funding:
**all costs are after cost-sharing
| Municipality | Maximum Provincial Assistance (rounded) |
| Alnwick/Haldimand | 31,000 |
| Asphodel-Norwood | 181,000 |
| Cramahe | 61,000 |
| Otonabee-South Monaghan | 176,000 |
| Township of Hamilton | 33,000 |
| Trent Hills | 167,000 |
“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 Northumberland-Peterborough South 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.
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“As a smaller, rural municipality with over 200km of roads to maintain, this grant goes a long way to finance our operation crew’s effective and immediate work clearing downed tree limbs and debris. The work was completed in record time ensuring the safety of our residents and facilitating the timely resumption of electrical power.”
– Mandy Martin, Mayor, Township of Cramahe.
“The Township of Otonabee-South Monaghan extends its sincere appreciation to MPP David Piccini and Premier Ford for the provincial funding support of $176,000 through the MISA program to assist with clean-up and recovery costs related to the March 2025 ice storm. This severe weather event placed significant strain on our staff, municipal resources, and the Township’s 2025 budget, and our community is still in the process of recovering. This funding will make a meaningful difference as we continue those efforts.
Once again, the Province of Ontario has demonstrated its understanding of the challenges faced by small, rural municipalities like Otonabee-South Monaghan and the importance of having a strong and reliable provincial partner.”
– Joe Taylor, Mayor, Otonabee South Monaghan.
“On behalf of Council and the residents of Asphodel-Norwood, I extend our sincere thanks to the Ontario Government for its support following the devastating ice storm of March 2025. This was one of the most significant weather events our region has faced, and this funding will help offset the costs of emergency response and recovery and ease the financial impact on our residents. We are truly grateful for the Province’s support.”
-Patrick Wilford, Mayor Township of Asphodel-Norwood.
“On behalf of Council, I would like to thank the Province of Ontario for its support through the Municipal Ice Storm Assistance Program. While the impacts in Trent Hills were not as severe as in some other areas of the province, the March 28 storm still resulted in impactful damage that required municipal response. This funding will assist with recovery efforts, and we appreciate the Province’s continued support to municipalities affected by this event.”
– Bob Crate, Mayor, Municipality of Trent Hills, Northumberland County Warden.
“The March 2025 Ice Storm tested our community, but our residents showed remarkable resilience and support for each other while Township staff worked around the clock to keep roads clear, remove downed trees, and keep essential services available. We are grateful to the Ontario Government’s Municipal Ice Storm Assistance Program, which will help offset cleanup and recovery costs. This support strengthens our ability to continue supporting our residents, building on the sense of cooperation and support that got us through this event.”
– Scott Jibb, Mayor, Township of Hamilton.
“The March 28, 2025, ice storm struck all parts of the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand with a vengeance. Residents, utilities, and essential services including roads and emergency response, were all heavily affected. The Township received a grant from MISA to help offset the costs associated with opening warming centres at all fire halls, as well as deploying additional public works crews to clear debris and remove barriers from roadways. The six- to seven-day disruption in services, along with the strong sense of teamwork and community support shown in assisting those in need, was remarkable and will be remembered for a long time.”
–John Logel, Mayor, Alnwick/Haldimand.
Additional Resources
Ontario Supporting Spring Ice Storm Recovery
Municipal Ice Storm Assistance
Business Ice Storm Assistance