By Mike Anderson

Farms, small business and non-profits in Georgina have until October 31 to access a provincial financial assistance program for damages incurred during the March 2025 ice storm.

The Business Ice Storm Assistance (BISA) program provides one-time support, up to $250,000 per application, to assist with storm-related clean-up and essential repairs not covered by insurance.

The province is also providing funding to municipalities for emergency response and clean-up costs through the Municipal Ice Storm Assistance program.

York-Simcoe MPP Caroline Mulroney and Simcoe-Gray MPP Brian Saunderson, parliamentary assistant to the minister of municipal affairs and housing, were joined by Mayor Margaret Quirk at the Pefferlaw Fire Hall on August 21 for the official announcement, although the program has been available since June.

Mulroney acknowledged that Pefferlaw and surrounding areas were hit hard by the ice storm and credited the Pefferlaw Lions Club and local businesses with helping residents who, in some cases, were impacted by a week-long power outage.

“The first thing I heard, even before the news reports, was how the people of Pefferlaw stepped up here. Power lines were down, homes were damaged, and the entire town was brought to a standstill. But, despite being exhausted, neighbours didn’t wait. They rushed to help one another,” Mulroney said.

“But the storms impact wasn’t just physical, it was financial too. And that’s why the province listened to your concerns and is taking action to provide support.”

Mayor Quirk also acknowledged the role of community groups, residents and Town staff during the crisis.

“The response to the ice storm was truly a team effort with the Town, Georgina Fire, community groups, and our residents joining forces to help people most in need. The damage we faced was widespread throughout Georgina with impacts felt in each of our communities. From Keswick to Belhaven, Roche’s Point, Sutton, Jackson Point and beyond. These programs will help community like ours to recover quickly and safely by reducing the financial impact,” Mayor Quirk said.

“We appreciate the province’s commitment to supporting both municipalities and small businesses in times of crisis. And just like this community rallies together, the province rallies together with us to support our community members.”

With only two months remaining, the Post asked Saunderson if the province is considering extending the deadline for small businesses, farms and non-profits who might be hearing about the program for the first time.

“We’ll see what the feedback is as we move along. We’re always open to that discussion,” Saunderson said.

Ward 5 Councillor Lee Dale acknowledges the deadline is fast approaching, but says he will work with the Town to get the message out.

“I’m happy the province is providing support and tremendously proud of the community, the Town, and, obviously, the Pefferlaw Lions. They stepped up really in a huge way,” Dale said.

“I’ll be meeting with Town staff, as well as working with our local residents to make sure that we’re getting the word out.”

According to the provincial website, the program will reimburse applicants for costs they have already paid, including emergency and clean-up expenses, as well as repairs and loss of essential property – key equipment and inventory – not covered by insurance.

However, the program does not provide support for loss of revenue, normal operating costs, or insurance deductibles.

Applicants must submit supporting documentation for eligible costs, such as receipts and invoices, along with proof of payment to verify the expenses have been paid.

For more information, including eligibility, program guidelines and application details, visit the Business Ice Storm Assistance program webpage.

Mike Anderson
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