The County of Haliburton has estimated it spent $354,096 as a result of the spring ice storm and will be seeking 75 per cent of that from the province of Ontario.
In a report to an Aug. 27 County council meeting, CAO Gary Dyke said costs included staff wages, materials and contracted services – all unbudgeted.
“The County incurred significant unbudgeted costs during our response and clean-up efforts during the state of emergency,” he said.
The March 30 ice storm saw between 35-40 mm of freezing rain fall on the southern portion of Haliburton County during the third largest ice storm event in Ontario history. It caused heavy damage and fallen trees, resulting in widespread power outages, blocked roadways, and disrupted communication networks.
In response, a state of emergency was declared on March 31 by both the County of Haliburton and the Township of Minden Hills, mobilizing local resources and coordinating with provincial agencies to address the immediate needs of residents and critical infrastructure. The state of emergency ended on May 6.
Dyke said about 18,000 out of 25,000 people were without power for three to 14 days; about 300 hydro poles were destroyed and needed replacement; there was lost Bell service for two to three days, including to Haliburton Highlands Health Services; with 130km of County roads and 260km of Minden Hills roads impacted. There were wellness centres and wellness checks. The County picked up storm debris for a month.
The CAO noted the province launched the Municipal Ice Storm Assistance (MISA) program to help townships with the cost; which, in this case, is a 75 per cent, 25 per cent split between Ontario and the County.
Dyke said, “based on the MISA formula, the County is eligible for the recovery of $193,610 or 75 per cent, of the expenses incurred as a result of the ice storm. It is noted that the County also received a recovery grant in the amount of $10,000 from Hydro One. However, it will have to fund the remaining $143,349 itself.
Dyke said, “The County has submitted an expression of interest for submission of a MISA grant application. Subject to approval of County council, the formal MISA grant application will be submitted to the province ahead of the Oct. 31 program deadline.”
Council gave him the green light.
