Ontario Supporting Ice Storm Recovery in Barrie and Innisfil
March 19, 2026
Funding will help cover emergency response and clean up costs
To protect Ontario and keep communities safe, the government is providing up to $26,559,000 for ice storm assistance in the City of Barrie and the Town of Innisfil. 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.
“The City of Barrie faced some of the most significant impacts from the 2025 Ice Storm,” said Doug Downey, MPP for Barrie – Springwater – Oro-Medonte. “This funding will help support the cost of the clean up efforts and ensure that Barrie is able to rebuild stronger than ever.”
“The impact of the ice storm was experienced by the Town of Innisfil community members firsthand, as families faced power outages, damaged property and infrastructure, and disrupted daily life,” said Andrea Khanjin, MPP for Barrie-Innisfil. “This investment indicates our government’s commitment to providing storm recovery resources, building necessary reinforcements, and ensuring resilience and emergency preparedness.”
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 Barrie and Innisfil, the storm caused extensive tree and property damage, downed hydro lines, prolonged power outages, service disruptions and infrastructure strain.
The following municipalities are receiving funding:
**all costs are after cost-sharing
| Municipality | Maximum Provincial Assistance (rounded) |
| Town of Innisfil | $365,000 |
| City of Barrie | $26,194,000 |
“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 Barrie and Innisfil 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.
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 Resources
Ontario Supporting Spring Ice Storm Recovery
Municipal Ice Storm Assistance
Business Ice Storm Assistance