York Region submits resolution for disaster relief

Newmarket Era
January 9, 2014
By Sean Pearce

Battered by a pre-Christmas ice storm, the Regional Municipality of York has now put in to receive provincial assistance in the event the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing declares the GTA a natural disaster zone.

The Dec. 22 ice storm that hit the GTA caused substantial damage to municipal property and infrastructure, a resolution to the province reads, adding the region and the municipalities received several reports of damage to private property.

It went on to state that other municipalities in the area were affected similarly by the storm and requests aid for York and its nine municipalities should the ministry declare a disaster area in the GTA under the Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program.

The motion was put forward by Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti at a special meeting of council Thursday and seconded by Richmond Hill Mayor Dave Barrow.

To qualify, a council position is required no more than 14 business days following the event, regional chairperson Bill Fisch said.

While no York Region-specific tally has been applied to the damage from the ice storm, it is believed the total for the entire GTA could exceed $250 million.

Toronto estimates its costs from the storm could be $106 million.

If Minister Linda Jeffrey does declare a disaster area, council will be obliged to appoint members to a disaster relief committee to administer the relief according to program rules.

At the same time, if Ms Jeffrey elects not to declare a disaster zone, the region urges the province to consider providing funds though another means to assist it given the extent and magnitude of the damage that occurred.