Ontario Supporting Ice Storm Recovery in York Region
March 23, 2026
Funding will help cover emergency response and clean up costs
YORK REGION —To protect Ontario and keep communities safe, the government is providing up to $250,000 for ice storm assistance in York Region. 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.
“Last year’s ice storm had a significant impact on families and neighbourhoods across Newmarket and Aurora, from fallen trees to extended power outages,” said Dawn Gallagher Murphy, MPP for Newmarket—Aurora. “This funding will help our local municipalities recover from the damage, support clean-up efforts, and ensure our communities remain safe and resilient in the face of extreme weather.”
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 York Region the storm caused extensive tree damage, downed hydro lines, and prolonged power outages.
“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 York Region 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
- The province’s 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
“On behalf of York Regional Council and The Regional Municipality of York, we welcome the Ontario government’s support for ice storm recovery. Increasingly frequent and intense winter storms continue to place significant pressure on our residents, infrastructure and operations. I applaud our teams and partners’ continued excellence in keeping our communities safe, even in the most challenging conditions. This funding helps ensure we can continue delivering the reliable winter maintenance our communities depend on as we work together to build a safer, more resilient region.”
- Eric Jolliffe, Chairman and CEO, The Regional Municipality of York
“The ice storm that took place last year caused extensive damage across York Region, and this funding will help municipalities carry out critical cleanup work and restore neighbourhoods for residents. Investing in ice storm recovery efforts is essential for our communities to be better prepared for extreme weather events.”
- Michael Parsa, MPP for Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill
“Georgina continues to show remarkable resilience after being one of the hardesthit areas in Central Ontario during the Spring Ice Storm. With this additional funding, our government is demonstrating it remains committed to supporting York Region and our communities as they recover, strengthen their infrastructure, and prepare for future storms and natural disasters.”
- Caroline Mulroney, MPP for York–Simcoe
“This winter has been intensive on our community here in King and Vaughan, which is why our government is taking concrete action to help provide a much-needed boost to public works here in York Region. This is not just about cleaning streets—it is about investing in long-term solutions to keep our community safe.”
- Stephen Lecce, MPP for King—Vaughan
“When severe weather strikes, our municipalities are on the front lines making sure residents are safe and supported. That’s why our government is stepping up with more funding to help communities right here in York Region address the impacts of last year’s ice storm and continue important recovery efforts.”
- Michael Tibollo, MPP for Vaughan-Woodbridge
Additional Resources
Ontario Supporting Spring Ice Storm Recovery
Municipal Ice Storm Assistance
Business Ice Storm Assistance