Repairing Tornado Damage in Grey County
September 16, 2009 2:42 PM
McGuinty Government Supports Clean up and Reconstruction Efforts
The Province has declared the Town of Blue
Mountains and the municipalities of West Grey and Grey Highlands
a disaster area for the purpose of the Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance
Program due to a tornado this summer.
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Jim Watson indicated that individuals impacted by the tornado will be able to apply for assistance under the Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program (ODRAP). The program will assist municipalities and residents where insurance does not cover losses. Under ODRAP the Province matches locally raised funds by a ratio of up to 2:1 for private damages.
Under ODRAP, the three municipalities will establish a joint disaster relief committee with representation from each municipality to fundraise and settle claims from residents, businesses and farmers.
On August 20, 2009 the three municipalities suffered extensive damage due to an F2 severity tornado.
QUICK FACTS
- On August 20, 2009, a tornado caused localized damage in Town of Blue Mountains and the municipalities of West Grey and Grey Highlands. Municipal infrastructure, as well as a number of farms, homes and small businesses, experienced significant damage.
- Municipalities that experience unusual financial difficulties due to a natural disaster may request financial assistance through the Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program to cover extraordinary, incremental public damages costs up to 100 per cent. Private assistance is tied to local fundraising which the province matches up to a ratio of 2:1.
- ODRAP is not intended to be an alternative or a substitute for adequate insurance coverage.
CONTACTS
- Adam Grachnik
Minister's Office, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
416-585-6492
ontario.ca/municipal
"I sympathize with the residents, businesses and members of the agricultural communities of the Town of Blue Mountains and the municipalities of West Grey and Grey Highlands who have suffered damage to their properties from this unfortunate event. Ontario will help the people get through this difficult time and make a full recovery. "
– Jim Watson
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
"The Honourable Jim Watson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing has informed me today that he has officially recognized West Grey's declaration and the declarations put forward from Grey Highlands and the Town of the Blue Mountains to declare disaster areas as a result of the August 20 tornado. We look forward to working with Minister Watson and his ministry officials with respect to the Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program. It is our goal to get funding relief into the hands of those individuals affected by this event as quickly as possible."
– Kevin Eccles
Warden of Grey County and Mayor of the Municipality of West Grey
Communities
