Whereas on Saturday, March 29, 2025, a severe ice storm hit parts of southern Ontario, including the Township of Brock, coating trees and power lines in ice; and
Whereas by Sunday, March 30th, 2025, much of Brock township was without hydro electric power, including both landline and cellular communications; and
Whereas the Brock Emergency Control Group met on Sunday, March 30, 2025 to evaluate and address the growing concerns over ongoing damage and widespread communication failures; and
Whereas Mayor Schummer on behalf of the Township of Brock, declared a State of Emergency Sunday March 30, 2025; and
Whereas Brock Township residents in our urban areas were without power for 2-3 days yet many of the rural/agricultural residents were without power for 10 days; and
Whereas those residents that were without power have suffered damage to personal and business properties including loss of income; and
Whereas the Municipal Affairs and Housing has a Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program in place to help residents recover costs after a natural disaster, that are not covered by insurance coverage; and
Whereas the DRAO program must be “activated” by the Minister in order for residents to apply for cost recovery from damage to private property if there’s a sudden, unexpected natural event, such as a flood or tornado that causes costly and widespread damage.
Be It Therefore Resolved That Council for the Township of Brock encourage the Honorable Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, “Activate” the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program in order to allow Brock residents to apply for damages to their property; and
That Council direct staff to forward a copy of this resolution to Honorable Premier Doug Ford, the Honorable Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.