Ontario Supporting Ice Storm Recovery in Dufferin County

March 13, 2026

DUFFERIN COUNTY – Our government is providing more than $340,000 in ice storm assistance across Dufferin County. This funding is part of Ontario’s $90 million Municipal Ice Storm Assistance program and will help cover emergency response and clean-up costs resulting from the severe winter storm on March 28, 2025.

In Dufferin County, the municipalities receiving provincial support include:

  • County of Dufferin – up to $105,000
  • Township of Melancthon – up to $36,000
  • Township of Mulmur – up to $96,000
  • Town of Orangeville – up to $25,000
  • Town of Shelburne – up to $80,000

“The storm on March 28, 2025, had a real impact on families, businesses and local infrastructure across Dufferin County,” said Sylvia Jones, MPP for Dufferin-Caledon. “This provincial support will help our municipalities recover costs related to emergency response and clean-up, ensuring communities can rebuild safely and remain resilient in the face of future storms.”

    The March 28, 2025, storm resulted in widespread damage across central and eastern Ontario, leaving nearly 400,000 homes and businesses without power. In Dufferin County, the storm caused extensive tree damage, downed hydro lines, hazardous road conditions and 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 Dufferin County rebuild – stronger than ever.”

    In June 2025, the Ontario government launched both the Municipal Ice Storm Assistance program and the Business Ice Storm Assistance program to help communities impacted by the storm.

    Quotes

    “The March 28 Ice Storm had a real impact across Dufferin County, from downed trees and significant power outages to the extensive clean-up required in our communities. This funding will help offset the costs that municipalities across the County incurred responding to the storm and restoring safety for residents. We are continuing to strengthen our preparedness and resilience to future weather events and we are grateful for the province’s support.”

    • Lisa Post, Mayor of Orangeville and Warden of Dufferin County

    “As severe weather events become more common place, the Township of Melancthon appreciates the province of Ontario’s help to offset some of the unexpected costs that come as a result of recovery efforts after last year‘s major ice storm. As municipalities work to adapt to new climate realities, it’s important we do that with all of our partners, including the province of Ontario and the government of Canada.”

    • Mayor Darren White, Township of Melancthon

    “On behalf of the Town of Shelburne, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Ontario Government for providing financial assistance to help municipalities recover from the March 2025 Ice Storm. This funding has made an enormous contribution in ensuring these unexpected expenses incurred do not fall solely on the residents of our community.  This significant weather event impacted communities across the province, including our own.  We dealt with tremendous and unexpected financial pressures and this funding plays an important role in helping us manage the costs associated with our response and recovery.”

    • Mayor Wade Mills, Town of Shelburne

    “The ice storm of March 28, 2025 had a profound impact on Mulmur, causing widespread damage and financial loss across the Township.  Despite the challenges, the storm reminded us of who we are, and we rallied! Neighbours showed up for each other, our emergency management systems kicked into action and our most vulnerable were cared for when they needed it. Due to the widespread hydro outages across the Township, our Hockeyville Tournament that week was moved from the Honeywood Arena to Shelburne as our ice melted.  Thank you Shelburne for stepping up. We are incredibly grateful for the support provided by the Province of Ontario, Ontario Corps, Search and Rescue, Dufferin County and our surrounding municipalities. The strength, generosity, and unity shown prove that even in moments of hardship, we can lift each other up in meaningful ways.”

    • Mayor Janet Horner, Township of Mulmur

     Additional Resources

    Ontario Supporting Spring Ice Storm Recovery

    Municipal Ice Storm Assistance

    Business Ice Storm Assistance

    Media Contact

    Office of MPP Sylvia Jones

    180 Broadway, 3rd Floor, Suite A, Orangeville, ON L9W 1K3

    Karol Jakubczak – Constituency Assistant

    Karol.jakubczak@pc.ola.org

    1-800-265-1603