Kawartha Lakes to receive funding from Ontario for Ice Storm Recovery

The Ontario government has announced that City of Kawartha Lakes will receive $25,561,000 for ice storm assistance. The funding is part of Ontario’s $90 million Municipal Ice Storm Assistance program and will help cover clean-up and emergency response costs already incurred due to a severe winter weather event on March 28, 2025. 

“The Ice Storm last year was a significant event for Kawartha Lakes, one that affected every resident in all corners of our municipality and severely impacted our natural environment,” said Mayor Doug Elmslie. “The clean-up efforts took months to complete, and we are thankful for this funding from our partners at the Province which supported our response and recovery process. It’s a great example of provincial and municipal governments working together to provide assistance to residents and property owners during emergency events.” 

Kawartha Lakes incurred eligible costs of $27.8 million during the Ice Storm recovery and clean-up. This provincial funding will help recover those costs. 

“The end of March 2025 brought a storm like no other to the communities in our region,” said Laurie Scott, MPP for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock. “Our provincial government recognized the need to financially support our municipalities, who played a critical role in cleaning up the widespread devastation.” 

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 Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock, the storm caused downed hydro lines, extensive tree damage, with prolonged power outages and extensive tree damage. 

The following municipalities will receive funding: 

**all costs are after cost-sharing 

“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 Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock rebuild – stronger than ever.” 

See the news release from MPP Laurie Scott’s office for more information.