Ontario Supporting Communities in Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston Affected by Extreme Weather

One-time funding to help clean-up and regeneration in damaged areas

March 29, 2023

Smiths Falls, Ont. – MPP John Jordan, Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston, announced that the Ontario government is providing $5.5 million to affected small municipalities affected by significant weather-related events in 2022.

“Many of our municipalities in Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston are still recovering from the significant storm damage in May of 2022”, said MPP John Jordan, Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston. “Thanks to Minister Smith and the Ontario government, this additional, one-time funding will assist with the continued  efforts to clean up the destruction of properties and provide unobstructed access to roads throughout our riding.”

Eight municipalities received the one-time funding, including Central Frontenac. Mayor Frances Smith says the funding couldn’t have come at a better time. “These funds will be put to good use in repairing the many structures that suffered damage during the storm. We very much appreciate the money.”

Mayor of Drummond/North Elmsley, Steve Fournier said, “Drummond North Elmsley Township is pleased to receive this one-time funding for the 2022 derecho storm clean up. The funds will be used to offset the costs incurred both during and after the storm to remove damaged trees and limbs from municipal roads and ditches, to implement road closures and detours around unsafe roads, to patrol roads to determine the extent of the damage, and to dispose of the wood. This funding goes a long way and represents a 1.5% tax savings to the residents and we are very appreciative of it.”

Funding will assist with the clearing of downed trees and other debris, as well as forest regeneration to protect against future weather risks like forest fires.

Mayor of Mississippi Mills, Christa Lowry said, “The Municipality of Mississippi Mills is pleased to receive funding from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry to help cover the costs accumulated as a result of last May’s devastating windstorm, which included the purchase of equipment to facilitate the clean up. We are grateful for this support from the Province that will help address our community’s concerns with respect to potential flooding and forest fires, and to support reforestation following the derecho.”

“We heard from small municipalities hardest hit by last year’s extreme weather that they need support to address public safety concerns,” said Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. “With this week’s announcement, we are ensuring that municipalities are able to recover from these weather events and build a strong Ontario.”

Reeve Peter McLaren says the funding will be used to clean trees off the roads, as well as area sugar bushes. “It is quite gratifying to receive assistance for some of our maple sugar operators here, after such devastation to their operation. Some are still recovering from the ice storm of 98.”

Other municipalities that received the one-time funding include Carleton Place, Tay Valley, North Frontenac and Beckwith.

MPP John Jordan Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston

www.johnjordanmpp.ca

613-284-1630

For information about how to be prepared for different emergencies, visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/emergency-preparedness