The aftermath of the March 2025 ice storm has left many municipalities, businesses, and organizations in Ontario facing unexpected costs and damages. In response, the province has introduced two key support programs: the Municipal Ice Storm Assistance (MISA) program for municipalities and the Business Ice Storm Assistance Program (BISA) for small businesses, farms, and not-for-profits. Understanding how to access these programs is crucial for those affected.
For municipalities like Oro-Medonte and Springwater, the MISA program provides one-time financial support for incremental costs directly related to the ice storm. To be eligible, municipalities must demonstrate that their expenses are above and beyond their regular budgets. The process begins with passing a council resolution to request assistance. Next, municipalities must submit an expression of interest survey, followed by a completed application.
Once applications are submitted, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing will review them to determine eligibility. If approved, the province and the municipality will enter into a transfer payment agreement. Payments will be based on eligible costs incurred. The reimbursement structure is designed to be fair: for eligible costs up to three percent of a municipality’s own-purpose taxation, the province will cover 75 percent. For costs above that threshold, the reimbursement rate rises to 95 percent. This approach ensures that municipalities are not left to bear the brunt of extraordinary disaster expenses alone.
It is important to note that while the MISA program offers substantial support, municipalities must provide thorough documentation of their expenses. Past experience with disaster recovery programs has shown that provincial assistance is not guaranteed until all requirements are met and the minister gives final approval. Local councils are encouraged to proceed with caution and maintain detailed records throughout the recovery process.
In addition to MISA, the province has launched the Business Ice Storm Assistance Program (BISA). This program is aimed at small businesses, small farms, and not-for-profit organizations that suffered damage as a result of the late March and early April 2025 ice storm. BISA is application-based, and the deadline to apply is October 31, 2025. Eligible applicants can receive one-time support to help offset the costs of repairs and recovery.
For residents and business owners, it is important to stay informed about the status of municipal applications and to reach out to local officials for guidance on the application process. Municipal councils will be discussing their MISA applications in upcoming meetings, and updates will be provided as the Ministry reviews submissions and makes funding decisions.
As the recovery from the 2025 ice storm continues, these provincial programs represent a vital resource for communities and businesses working to rebuild. By following the application procedures and meeting all requirements, municipalities and organizations can maximize their chances of receiving the support they need to move forward.
