Markham offered $2.5M for 2013 ice storm costs

Yorkregion.com
Feb. 19, 2015
By Laura Finney


Markham has been offered a nearly $2.5-million interim payment from Ontario’s Ice Storm Assistance Program.

The program is a one-time disaster relief initiative for the winter storm in December 2013.

Markham is set to receive $2,480,559.

The Dec. 21-22 storm brought freezing rain and ice pellets that caused power outages and damaged thousands of trees.

Last summer, Markham officials estimated they would be submitting an expression of interest for just under $10 million to the program. That number was to be updated later in the year.

The assistance program is focused on costs related to the immediate emergency response, including opening warming centres, and debris cleanup necessary for public safety.

The list of non-eligible costs included replacing things that were insured or insurable, tree replacements and tree canopy restorations.

“Ontario’s interim payment of $2.48 million to the City of Markham from the Ice Storm Assistance Program is great news, with more funding to be issued as claim reviews are completed," Markham-Unionville Liberal MPP Michael Chan said in a statement. "Our community was significantly impacted by this severe weather event and I am proud of our government’s commitment to support municipalities by reimbursing 100 per cent of eligible response and recovery costs.”

Markham is one of 55 municipalities and conservation authorities that have been offered interim payments.

The province has offered these payments to assist the municipalities with budget planning while claims are finalized.

Remaining funding will be issued when the claims review is finished, and all eligible costs are verified.