Ontario supporting ice storm recovery in Quinte West

18 March 2026

Provincial funding will help cover emergency response and clean-up costs

QUINTE WEST – To protect Ontario and keep communities safe, the government is providing up to $95,000 for ice storm assistance in the City of Quinte West. 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.

“Unexpected weather events like the ice storm Quinte West received last March can create devastation in our communities and put pressures on municipal resources as they clean up and restore services,” said Tyler Allsopp, MPP for Bay of Quinte. “This provincial support will help offset costs and put the City on better footing to deal with future events.”

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 Quinte West, the storm caused extensive tree damage, snow and ice build-up, flooding, and blocked roads and ditches. Some communities were also without power for extended periods.

“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 the City of Quinte West 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.

Mayor Jim Harrison welcomed the funding.

“Extreme winter weather events are becoming increasingly common, and the clean-up after a major storm is not only time-consuming but also expensive,” said Harrison. “I want to thank the Province for recognizing the need to support municipalities during events like the severe winter storm we experienced on March 28, 2025.”

QUICK FACTS

• 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.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCE

Ontario Supporting Spring Ice Storm Recovery

MEDIA CONTACT

Adam Bramburger, Office of Tyler Allsopp, MPP – Bay of Quinte

613-962-1144 (o), 613-876-1734 (m), adam.bramburger@pc.ola.org