June 25, 2014

Ice storm claim hits $475,000

As published in The Erin Advocate

The Town is hoping to recover $475,000 from the provincial government for cleanup after last December’s ice storm, but about $100,000 of the work won’t be done until after the June 22 deadline.

The amount of reimbursement under the Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program will depend on whether an extension of the deadline is allowed.

The province has set aside $190 million for the program, but municipalities have to spend their own money first, and are uncertain how the rebates will be allocated if total claims exceed the limit.

The Town has scrambled to meet the recently-announced deadline, with extra staff and contractors. Expenses not covered will be treated as unexpected operating costs.