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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAO 02-14 City,00 - Report to • Executive Committee I KERIN Report Number: CAO 02-14 Date: April 14, 2014 From: Tony Prevedel Chief Administrative Officer Subject: Ice Storm (2013) - Update - File: 0-2040 Recommendation: That Report CAO 02-14 of the Chief Administrative Officer be received. Executive Summary: The December 2013 Ice Storm had a severe impact on the City of Pickering community and the City's resources. This report will provide an overview of our successes and lessons learned, including a relevant status update. Financial Implications: On January 13, 2014, Pickering Council passed Resolution #157/14 declaring the City a "Disaster Area"for the purpose of being eligible for the Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program (ODRAP). Staff have been providing current and estimated ice storm recovery updates to the Province on a weekly basis. The following is a summary of the City's estimated costs: Description Cost Estimate 2013 Emergency Response $ 115,580 2013/14 Clean-up 414,264 Tree Canopy Restoration 1,831,680 Total Estimated Costs To-Date $ 2,361,524 On February 26, 2014, the Province announced that the ice storm costs would be eligible for Provincial assistance. It is our understanding that those costs included in the Emergency Response and Clean-up ($529,844) will be eligible for the funding program. It should be noted that the program details have not yet been released by the Province. It appears that the tree canopy replacement costs will not be funded, which will become a 2015 to 2018 budget pressure. 1 Report CAO 02-14 April 14, 2014 Subject: Ice Storm 2013 Page 2 Discussion: The ice storm that started December 21, 2013 created very difficult conditions throughout the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). This storm hit Pickering in full force, causing treacherous winter conditions, and significant tree damage which caused widespread power outages, transportation hazards and safety issues for our community. Public safety and effective emergency response resulted from a collaborative approach with other agencies, strong communication, and the effective deployment of resources to address issues on a priority basis. Staff carried out an effective emergency response and recovery process to ensure the safe use of our roads, sidewalks, and facilities. This included hazard and debris removal from roads, sidewalks, and facilities. We have made great strides in our debris removal, which includes parks and trails. Staff continue efforts on tree debris management, maintenance and a tree replacement plan. The following will provide an overview of staffs actions with respect to managing the storm, challenges and opportunities for improvement. 1. Emergency Management The ice storm that occurred overnight on December 21, 2013 was one of the most severe and widespread weather events that have occurred in the GTA in many years. The storm caused severe damage to the electrical grid across the region and it left approximately 10,000 homes in Pickering without power; some for as long as 7 days. The storm was not only a test for staff involved in emergency response, winter control and dealing with the thousands of downed and damaged trees and branches, it was also a test for our emergency management program. There was no formal activation of our Municipal Emergency Operations Centre (MEOC), but the Public Information Centre (Customer Care Centre) and key staff were in place to communicate with our community and Veridian immediately on the morning of December 22, 2013. Debriefing Sessions - During the storm and the days that followed, staff communicated throughout to ensure the most effective community response. During this time, we made note of our successes and areas that required additional review and improvement. Ongoing discussions and decisions were made with a core staff team throughout the week. Once we were in recovery mode, a debriefing session was held with key staff. During that time, we made note of the issues and successes of the community response for future consideration. Some of the immediate issues required funding and through Council's support, approval was received in the 2014 Budget. CORP0227-07/01 revised 2 Report CAO 02-14 April 14, 2014 Subject: Ice Storm 2013 Page 3 The following highlights those initiatives, and implementation is ongoing: • new diesel powered generator for Fire Hall 2 • upgrade to generator circuits at City Hall, Recreation Complex and Fire Hall 5 • new radio system for Operations vehicles • enhanced WiFi at City Hall • tablets and laptop computers for key staff in the Municipal Emergency Control Group (MECG) Veridian Connections — Naturally, communication with Veridian Connections was key during this time. Our Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC), worked closely with key Veridian staff to be kept apprised of progress related to power restoration. Obtaining timely information from Veridan was a challenge for City officials and our community. Designating specific communication contacts is key to ensure coordinated and consistent messaging. Veridian staff worked diligently to update City staff, and stakeholders, however their resources were taxed as they provided • services to three municipalities. A debriefing session was held on February 20, 2014 to discuss feedback and future plans to enhance responsiveness to our community. The meeting was very productive, generating some ideas for implementation and future exploration such as: • enhancing tree maintenance within easements on private property • developing a tree trimming standard/plan (urban, rural, private property) • providing the City with a plan outlining Veridian's infrastructure • the City will provide Veridian with information related to emergency management, and training contacts • providing Veridian with access to refuel their fleet at the City's Operations Centre to alleviate the need to return to their depot during emergency situations • establishing areas for mobile devices to be re-charged during lengthy power outages • Veridian will schedule annual meetings with Community Emergency Management Coordinators to review emergency plans/procedures, evacuation centre locations, and key contacts Overall, the Community Emergency Management Plan worked very well. Ongoing training and review of procedures with staff and affected agencies will support and enhance our emergency management responsiveness. 2. Roads & Parks Operations As there was some advance notice of severe weather conditions, Operations staff prepared for the storm by ensuring there was an adequate supply of salt, additional tire chains for salt trucks, and chains available for graders. The Forepersons and Lead Hands were briefed on Friday, December 20, 2013 regarding the potential for CORP0227-07/01 revised 3 Report CAO 02-14 April 14 2014 Subject: Ice Storm 2013 Page 4 having to exceed the stipulated 7-day/70 hour work cycle, due to potentially hazardous situations predicted by the impending freezing rain and ice storm. Due to the effects of the storm, City crews performed winter control practically nonstop from Friday, December 20 at 3:30 am until approximately 3:30 pm Monday, December 23. All available staff were deployed and responded well to the conditions; including those that were scheduled to be on vacation. One of the biggest constraints was the severity and magnitude of trees and branches that were damaged, and blocking roads, driveways and sidewalks. Removing tree branches from roads was a number one priority. City staff using chainsaws, gradall excavators and other means available, commenced tree clearing operations immediately. The City's tree maintenance contractor had a crew available and commenced clearing trees on Sunday, December 22 until Tuesday, December 24, and continued with the immediate cleanup response on Thursday, December 26 and Friday, December 27. The devastation of trees and their impact on neighbourhood streets was significant. Early reports estimated that there were 1,500 street trees of various sizes and species damaged by the storm, and needed to be dealt with. Additional resources were required, so for the months of January and February additional contracted services were retained, resulting in two bucket truck crews and three brush chipping crews being deployed. An additional chipper was rented, allowing two City chipping crews to assist as well. With the amount of snow that continued to accumulate in January and February, clearing all brush from the boulevards was impeded. To date, approximately 95% of all City streets have been visited once to remove dangerous/broken branches and to chip brush. Another round of chipping will be required to clear the remaining debris this spring. Although the immediate clean-up needs on the roads has been addressed, there are many trees that will need to be removed in their entirety, as they are no longer healthy, or are vulnerable in the event of another significant storm. The cost to complete this is significant, and staff need to determine if these costs will be eligible for Provincial assistance. Due to limited access during winter months, the tree damage in our parks and open spaces has not been fully assessed, and only partially cleaned up. An initial estimate of 300 trees damaged by the storm has been made. Watercourses and culverts were inspected for brush debris and cleaned up where required to prevent potential flooding. Monitoring is ongoing as the spring melt occurs, since branches may get carried downstream and jammed at culvert locations. While staff have made significant progress, Operations staff continue to monitor areas and address the needs of the storm clean up. CORP0227-07/01 revised 4 Report CAO 02-14 April 14, 2014 Subject: Ice Storm 2013 Page 5 3. Warming Centre Pickering City Hall and the Pickering Recreation Complex were considered priority areas for power restoration. This was extremely helpful allowing us to designate the. Recreation Complex as a Warming Centre on Monday, December 23, 2013. This was an excellent facility for this purpose since there are so many amenities and room options including showers, kitchen, secure area for pets, smaller meeting rooms for cots and the banquet halls for dining and watching movies. The Claremont Community Centre was also available during the storm to area residents and officially operated as a Warming Centre for one day. Over the course of the week, more than 647 residents took advantage of the Warming Centre, and either stayed for the night, received a hot meal and/or came in to warm up, refresh, charge phones/computers and receive updates. This could not have been achieved without the assistance and coordination of key community partners such as: • Durham Region Social Services & Public Health • Canadian Red Cross • Ontario Volunteer Emergency Response Team (OVERT) • St. John Ambulance • Salvation Army We were also very pleased to receive food and refreshment donations from local restaurants and stores. This was particularly helpful and appreciated due to the fact that this occurred over the Christmas week. The success of our Warming Centre could not have been achieved without the endless support of our staff. Many staff graciously accepted the opportunity to work over the Christmas Holidays putting aside their personal holiday plans in order to ensure the needs of our residents were met. 4. Communication The most critical observation was communication issues, and how to improve community engagement moving forward. This included call centre staffing, coordinated and timely messaging utilizing numerous service channels (telephone, social media, email, website updates and media updates). It was certainly recognized that we need more media exposure for our citizens to receive updates, particularly through larger media outlets. Communication during such an event is always a difficult challenge. Providing a central source for timely and consistent information and messaging was key. The following will provide an overview of communication initiatives, challenges and new opportunities. CORP0227-07!01 revised 5 • Report CAO 02-14 April 14, 2014 Subject: Ice Storm 2013 Page 6 Customer Care Centre (Public Information Centre) - The central point of communication was by telephone through our Customer Care Centre not only related to winter control, but in response to providing power outage updates. Veridian lines were taxed, and we were able to support those communication efforts. On December 22, 2013 we partially activated our Public Information Centre at City Hall. We experienced a few barriers given that initially power was out at City Hall, and we were operating on our backup generators, which only provided coverage in certain areas. Staff were able to address these issues, and open the Customer Care Centre to field calls. We have reviewed requirements, and funding was included in the 2014 Budget to increase back up power coverage within City Hall, as well as increased WiFi capability. This is particularly important should such an event extend over a longer period of time, and additional staff be required to carry-on City business. We have procedures in place to activate an expanded Call Centre and call-in staff in other areas to assist if need be. However, in this instance we were able to work within our existing staff complement. Available Customer Care staff were called in from their vacations, and were willing to assist and provide the necessary support. We also relied on our After-Hours Call Centre to field calls when required. We had constant contact with them through email and by telephone to share information received, and to refer people to our website and social media channels for updates as well. This proved to be very successful. Walk-in traffic was minimal. This is likely due to the fact that the initial effects of the storm started on a Sunday, and carried on through the week of Christmas. We monitored residents' enquiries and issues, and did not feel it was necessary to extend hours at City Hall, since we were able to field calls, and provide updates through social media, website, emails and media releases. Residents did have the opportunity to attend the Recreation Complex Warming Centre for updates if desired. Signage - The LED sign at the Recreation Complex would have been helpful to promote its use as a Warming Centre, and a source for updates, however due to a programming glitch we were unable to use it. This has since been resolved. Through the debriefing sessions we learned that the City has 2 solar powered sign boards that could have assisted in such situations. This will be noted in our listing of resources for future reference. Additional signage at City Hall and all facilities will be part of our enhancements moving forward. Other Key Communication Channels - Other key communication channels were through social media, email, website updates, and media releases. Through our efforts: • we reached almost 16,000 people through facebook • used twitter • posted media releases received by Veridian and issued 4 from Pickering • posted storm updates and public service messaging on our website CORP0227-07/01 revised 6 Report CAO 02-14 April 14, 2014 Subject: Ice Storm 2013 Page 7 We linked to Veridian's website 19 times from our home page and social media sites to share their daily, hourly updates during the week of the storm. The general subject matter release was also modified several times to reflect updates from our Operations staff, Customer Care staff, and Veridian and included general subject matter such as: • current number of customers out • notifications of newly energized areas • Warming Centre details, plus number of individuals utilizing it • safety messaging, including road safety (lights out), fire safety, downed wires, spoiled food, and waste • other City facilities that remained opened • contact information encouraging people to call/email our Customer Care, Veridian, and follow us on social media for regular updates to their phone • links to third party websites, including Veridian and the Region of Durham During the week of the storm, we received 1,088 comments on our public Facebook wall, pictures, status updates, and 592 shares (people sharing content directly to their profiles from ours). We estimate that between December 21 and December 28, City staff provided approximately 110 Facebook updates. Twitter was updated less as we did not have as much traffic/engagement. As a result, our Facebook traffic has increased significantly, and more people are relying on us as a central source of communication. Media Coverage - Even though we reposted Veridian's media releases through our communication channels, and issued our own media releases, we were not receiving coverage specifically related to Pickering. Unfortunately, we cannot dictate what the media chooses to report. This concern has been raised to our Members of Provincial Parliament, asking that the Province enact legislation that Toronto media report updates on all GTA municipalities, and not just Toronto, Peel Region and York Region under such circumstances. It is interesting to note that several News Advertiser reporters follow the City's social media channels, meaning they would receive instant updates anytime something was • posted on Facebook or Twitter. 2-Way Communication Radios - Communication Radios and GPS systems installed within the City fleet were not reliable during the event, causing difficulty to confirm which winter control routes were complete. The 2014 Capital Budget included funding for"public works grade" mobile radios for the NexGen radio system. This is the Region's new interoperable radio system which will be utilized by Durham Regional Police, all 8 Regional Fire Departments, Region Works, and other municipal • CORP0227-07/01 revised 7 Report CAO 02-14 April 14, 2014 Subject: Ice Storm 2013 Page 8 works and parks departments as well as Durham Region Transit in the future. This interoperable feature will be invaluable in emergency situations. Mobile Phones - Many of our Operations staff had recently been assigned smart phones. Even though cell service at times during this particular storm event was intermittent, overall it provided the opportunity to update corporate communications during storm events to ensure staff can communicate with the Customer Care Centre, After-Hours Call Centre, and update social media. Favourable comments have been received related to our responsiveness. Emergency Preparedness Communication - In our efforts to enhance communication, particularly related to emergency preparedness, we have been sharing media releases/public service announcements over Facebook/Twitter and City App with additional promotions using the hash tag #BePrepared. This messaging includes planning for safety during severe weather (including flooding and power outages). Our messaging over social media has potentially reached thousands of followers based on others sharing our messages (including Durham Regional Police, Red Cross and other Firefighter Associations). Social media efforts will continue regularly, and will include our website pickering.ca/BePrepared as a resource once the content has been refreshed. Currently online, we have an emergency preparedness video and other resources including public education tools from Emergency Management Ontario and tips from the Region of Durham covering winter weather preparedness, power outages, nuclear public safety, and the 72-hour Be Prepared kit While we understand that not everyone has access to social media, we have to use various communication channels to get information to the public. This can be quite a challenge during a storm or any emergency, given that telephone lines and power are often challenged. City staff will continue to engage the public and enhance our emergency preparedness messaging and public information plans to meet the diverse needs of our community. This is also done in consultation with resources from Durham Emergency Measures and Emergency Management Ontario. Corporate Communications - Through the realignment of staff resources, we were able to formalize a Corporate Communications Section reporting through the Office of the CAO. This provides an opportunity to dedicate resources to enhance our communication initiatives, ensuring consistent key corporate messages are relayed to our community. This is particularly important during any emergencies or special circumstances such as the Ice Storm in December 2013. As we move forward, this will allow us to educate our community on emergency preparedness, provide information related to resources, and tools to keep and sources to receive updates on matters that may affect them (winter storms, flooding, CORP0227-07/01 revised 8 Report CAO 02-14 April 14, 2014 Subject: Ice Storm 2013 Page 9 power outages etc). We will continue to promote our Customer Care Centre, website and social media as key resources. 5. Financial Impacts The financial impacts of the storm and related issues can be broken down into three distinct areas: emergency & clean-up costs, tree canopy restoration financial implications and financial planning for severe weather related events. i. Emergency & Clean-Up Costs An important step was the application for the Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program (ODRAP). City staff were quickly able to pull together all of the information required to apply for ODRAP under very tight timelines for Council Approval. At a Special Meeting of Council on January 13, 2014, Pickering Council passed Resolution #157/14 declaring the City a "disaster area" for the purpose of being eligible for the Ontario Disaster.Relief Assistance Program ODRAP. A copy of the completed application is included as (Attachment 1). The City has received confirmation that it is eligible for some of the ODRAP funding. It is our understanding that the emergency and clean up costs currently estimated at $529,844 will be 100% funded by the Province. Staff have made this assumption based on the Provincial Government's announcement of February 26, 2014 (Attachment 2). The Provincial Government announcement did not reference the tree canopy replacement costs. It should be noted that the program details have not yet been released by the Province. Once the details are known, Finance staff will be able to confirm the actual reimbursement amount. At this current time, there is a possibility that the cost estimate could be higher once we have an opportunity to start working in City parks and open spaces, watercourses and culverts. There is a potential financial risk to the City if the Provincial program has a fixed end date and not all of the clean-up work has been completed by this date. Under this scenario, the City would probably have to finish the clean-up work and this cost would be funded by a transfer from the rate stabilization reserve as per Recommendation #12 (Budget Report FIN 05- 14). ii. Tree Canopy Restoration and Financial Implications The preliminary estimate for the removal and replacement of the City's damaged tree canopy is $1.8 million ($1.5 m street trees and $300,000 park trees). This cost is based on replacing 1,800 trees with an average tree replacement cost of $1,000. It is estimated that approximately $750 of this cost is for removing the remainder of the tree, and stump removal. The residual amount reflects the CORP0227-07!01 revised 9 Report CAO.02-14 April 14, 2014 Subject: Ice Storm 2013 Page 10 replacement tree cost. There is a very slight chance that the Province may announce a tree canopy funding program in its upcoming budget. The absence of senior government funding will translate into a financial challenge to the City during the next few years. Without this funding, the City would focus on replacing only "street trees". The $1.5 million cost allocated over four years would represent an additional cost of$375,000 per year or a 0.75% levy increase per year. At this current time, staff are not recommending increasing the 2015 budget. The preliminary financing strategy is to use some of the annual tree maintenance funds to remove the ice storm damaged street trees. Staff have estimated that there may be up to $100,000 available from the tree maintenance program to be re-directed towards the tree canopy replacement program. Under this scenario, it would take many years to replace the tree canopy. Over the next few months, staff will be exploring alternative financing strategies including an "Adopt a Tree" program that would provide an income tax charitable receipt for making a donation to the City tree canopy replacement program. iii. Financial Planning for Severe Weather Related Events Although the majority of the response planning for the next severe weather event is mainly in other City areas such as Engineering & Public Works, Facilities and Emergency Management; Finance also plays an integral role. The City's insurance program ensures that the City's assets are financially protected. The 2014 Capital Budget included additional funding for enhanced emergency response. During the year, further reviews will be conducted, and if required additional resources will be identified in the 2015 budget. The ice storm event demonstrates the need for the Corporation to ensure that it has adequate financial resources to meet the financial challenges under such circumstances. Pickering has one major financial resource and/or reserve (Rate Stabilization Reserve) that can be used during such situations. At the end of 2014, this reserve will still have a projected healthy balance. The key challenge is to ensure that this reserve maintains its healthy balance measured against the many cost pressures or project spending demands of the corporation. Conclusion The 2013 Ice Storm was one of the most severe and widespread weather events that impacted our community in many years. Through the efforts and team work of many we were able to provide an effective response to our community. Naturally, there are lessons to be learned, with some changes and adjustments required to our procedures. Staff will continue to review and make modifications along the way, working with other agencies as deemed necessary. The clean-up and restoration will continue for many CORP0227-07/01 revised 10 Report CAO 02-14 April 14, 2014 Subject: Ice Storm 2013 Page 11 months to come. Financial impacts and cost recovery will continue to be monitored, and included in our financial strategy. Attachments: 1. ODRAP Completed Application (Municipal Disaster Information) Form 2. Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing Press Release (February 26, 2014) "Province to Cover Ice Storm Recovery Costs" Prepared By: Approved/Endorsed By: AA° odgso J•hn H.gg Division Head, City Administration Fire Chief/Community Emergency Management Coordinator L.AI:10% Ric and Hol Worn Dctor, Engineering & Public Works Marisa Carpinoi Director, Cultur- • Recreation • Stan Karwowski Division Head, Finance &Treasurer Recommended for the consideration of Pickering Ci Counc/', // Vadzot 20/4 Tony Prevedel, P.Eng. • Chief Administrative Officer CORP0227-07/01 revised 11 • ATTACHMENT# I TOREPORT#(Po o a-iu- 1 a>% MUNICIPAL DISASTER INFORMATION City of Pickering PART A General Information r Date/Time Emergency Declared under EMCPA: Date of disaster assistance resolution: N/A January 13,2014 Type of Disaster(for example flood,snow storm) Comments(details of the event): Winter ice storm A winter ice storm on December 21st/22nd caused widespread power outages and damage to trees resulting in transportation hazards and safety issues for our residents. On Sunday, December 22"d,the City of Pickering officially opened two warming , centres for its residents,one of which remained open until Friday, December 28d'. As a result of the transportation hazards and • warming centres,the City incurred unplanned labour costs, overtime and other expenses to ensure the comfort and safety of the City's residents. The City will also incur substantial costs going forward for the continued cleanup of trees and branches,as well as the costs for tree replacement. • Impacted Area(Name of municipality and specific neighbourhood,if applicable): Entire geographical area of the City of Pickering • Characteristics of impacted area(population,community characteristics—dense urban aiea/farm community/cottages,conservation area, river,park): Population:95,000 Community Characteristics: Urban,Rural,Parks and Greenspace PART B_:.Contacts,..; • Municipal Representative(Name&Title) Phone Nun?ber Stan Karwowski,Division Head,Finance&Treasurer 905-420-4640 Emergency Management Ontario Officer . Phone Number JoAnn Kroph-Hedley,EMO,Sevem Sector Field Officer 905-377-1648 PART C-Personal Injury:and Loss _. , Did an evacuation occur? Anticipated length: Are there serious in juries to Are there any fatalities? people? Yes No >14 days If yes approximate number <14 days_ of people? Yes No ' Yes No Estimated Cost of Evacuation:$ Types,of eligible costs incurred costs incurred to operate shelter(s):$ Estimated Cost of Shelter:$ PART D-Private Property Damage ,,,; -, .•i, Number of primary residences Nature of Damage(i.e.sewage back-up,roof Estimated value of the damage: damaged: shingles,flooded basements): $ N/A Number of damaged properties with insurance coverage: Number'of small businesses Nature of Damage(including inventory): Estimated value of the damage: damaged: • $ N/A Number of damaged properties with insurance coverage: Number of Farms damaged: Nature of Damage: Estimated value of the damage: N/A $ Number of damaged properties with • insurance coverage: • DRU/MICL-2010 1 2 C:\Users\mdonaldson\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\ContentOutlook\500DBQ3C\Attachment One ice storm rptdoc ATTACHMENT# f TO REPORT#CAO oo2-I11-- or<a ?PARTsE° Municipal Pro`pert i Damage t' ` :`. k = .t f Municipal Facilities damaged: Nature of Damage: Estimated value of the damage: $ • N/A Municipal facilities with insurance coverage: Is there damage to roads and Nature of Damage: Estimated value of the damage: bridges? . Yes No Other municipal infrastructure Nature of Damage: Estimated value of the damage: damaged? N/A Which of these assets are covered by • insurance? Other municipal assets Nature of Damage: Estimated value of the damage: damaged? $2,125,390.50 Tree canopy Broken and fallen trees and/or branches Which of these assets are covered by insurance? None Other Costs incurred by Nature of costs(e.g.sandbagging,equipment Estimated Costs: Municipality: use;water,food for volunteers) 1. Protective/Preventative $5,898.18 measures Food,supplies,answering service 2. Extraordinary,incremental Labour and overtime for tree branch salaries/wages removal and warming centres $117,955.87 PARTTF-Other.PropertyDamar,e r3 � � :°,7 ,X31 _ x , What Non-Profit organizations Nature of Damage: Estimated value of the damage: sustained property damage(e.g. church,rotary club)? Which of these properties are covered N/A by insurance? • • Other . Is there a need for early financial assistance? If yes why? • NO Note: This form,along with documentary evidence such as media clippings,photographs,and any other information which the council may ' consider pertinent,should accompany your resolution. DRU/ IICL-2010 13 C:\Users\mdonaldson\AppData\Local\Microsoft\�Vindows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\500DBQ3C\Attachment One ice storm rptdoc ATTACHMENT# TO REPORT# � O o - "i t+ VOntario NEWS Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Province to Cover Ice Storm Recovery Costs Ontario Providing Assistance to Impacted Municipalities • NEWS February 26, 2014 Ontario is helping municipalities affected by the December 2013 ice storm by working with the federal government to fund 100 per cent of their eligible recovery costs through a one-time Ice Storm Assistance Program. While program details are still being finalized, eligible costs may be as much as $190 million based on estimates from municipalities. It is anticipated that the program would cover costs related to the immediate emergency response, such as setting up warming centres, and the subsequent cleanup of debris necessary to protect public safety. Costs incurred by the province for a natural disaster of this size qualify for federal government assistance under the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements program. Ontario intends to seek federal reimbursement for costs under this program. As many municipalities continue to clean up, the province is working with them to assess the damage and determine the full extent of ice storm related costs. QUOTES "Ontario is stepping up to the plate and supporting our cities and towns with the costs incurred in the aftermath of the December ice storm. Our new program will provide the financial support the affected communities need to fully recover from this significant event." — Linda Jeffrey, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing QUICK FACTS • The December 2013 ice storm caused widespread damage and blackouts across southern,western and eastern Ontario. • At the peak of the ice storm, over 800,000 hydro customers were without power. • The province has previously supported municipalities with one-time programs, including tornado assistance for Leamington and Midland in 2011, and the 1998 ice storm assistance program. LEARN MORE • December 2013 Ice Storm • Mike Maka, Minister's Office,416-585-6842 ontario.calmunicipal-news May Nazar, Communications Branch, 416-585-7066 Disponible en frangais 14