DAN CEARNS, The Standard
SCUGOG: The Township of Scugog is looking for financial assistance from the province following the recent derecho windstorm.
At a recent meeting, Scugog councillors passed a motion to ask the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing (Steve Clark) “to activate the Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance Program for the Township.”
On the provincial government’s website, it explains the Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance Program “is a claims-based program which, when activated by the province, offers financial assistance to qualifying municipalities which have sustained significant extraordinary costs, as a result of a natural disaster, such as a tornado or severe flooding.”
The website adds, “the program offers assistance for extraordinary operating and capital costs arising from a natural disaster. Eligible operating costs are those incurred to protect public health, safety and access to essential services. Eligible capital costs are those to repair public infrastructure or restoring property to pre-disaster condition.”
Mayor Bobbie Drew questioned if the funding would apply to increased staffing costs from the storm, such as the increased need for firefighters immediately following the storm.
Treasurer Laura Barta responded, stating yes, it would apply to that.
“Not that I wish a lot of damage in Scugog, but I hope we meet that threshold [for funding],” Mayor Drew said.
Ward 2 Councillor Janna Guido asked if this funding would help individual homeowners or if it is more to benefit the municipality.
“What we have applied for is strictly for the Township, but I do know there will be some review of storm damage across the municipality. And if the minister so chooses, he can release a Minister’s Order which will assist those residents who have suffered extreme damage that is not covered by insurance,” Ms. Barta explained.