Ontario Supporting Ice Storm Recovery in Simcoe County

March 10, 2026

Funding will help cover emergency response and clean up costs

SIMCOE COUNTY —To protect Ontario and keep communities safe, the government is providing up to $5,709,000 for ice storm assistance in Simcoe County. 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.
“This funding will help the County of Simcoe address the costs incurred due to the extensive damage from the ice storm in March 2025,” said Doug Downey, MPP for Barrie – Springwater – Oro-Medonte. “Supporting our local municipalities will help to ensure communities can build back stronger than ever.”
“Following the devastating ice storm in March 2025, this funding of up to $5,709,000 will provide vital support to communities across the County of Simcoe,” said Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North. “These funds will help repair damaged infrastructure, assist local municipalities, and support residents as they continue to recover and rebuild. This investment underscores the importance of provincial support in helping communities bounce back stronger and ensuring families and local economies can thrive once again.”
“The March 2025 ice storm had a significant impact on communities across Simcoe County, including many residents and businesses in Barrie and Innisfil,” said Andrea Khanjin, MPP for Barrie–Innisfil. “This funding will help ensure municipalities have the support they need to recover from storm damage, restore critical infrastructure, and continue building resilient communities that are prepared for future extreme weather events.”
“Simcoe County continues to show remarkable resilience after being one of the hardest-hit areas in Central Ontario during the Spring Ice Storm,” said Caroline Mulroney, MPP for York–Simcoe. “With this additional funding, our government is demonstrating it remains committed to supporting our communities as they recover, strengthen their infrastructure, and prepare for future storms and natural disasters.”
“Communities across Simcoe County were significantly impacted by the ice storm in March 2025,” said Brian Saunderson, MPP for Simcoe–Grey. “This important provincial funding will help address the substantial costs associated with the storm response and the extensive clean-up that followed. I want to thank County of Simcoe and municipal staff, along with hydro crews, first responders, and volunteers, whose dedication helped our communities through a very challenging time.”
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 Simcoe County, the storm caused extensive tree damage, downed hydro lines, and prolonged power outages.
“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 Simcoe County 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:
The province’s 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.