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- calendar_today November 3, 2026
Ontario Supports Callander with Disaster Recovery Funding
The Ontario government has announced it will provide up to $455,000 in disaster recovery funding to the Municipality of Callander. This support comes in response to significant infrastructure damage caused by an extreme storm surge in April 2024. The funding aims to assist the municipality with emergency response efforts and the repair of critical municipal infrastructure.
Background: April 2024 Storm Causes Major Damage
In April 2024, the Municipality of Callander experienced powerful winds across Lake Nipissing that generated an extreme storm surge and large waves over a short timeframe. The surge caused notable destruction along Callander Bay's shoreline, including the collapse of a break wall. The damage to municipal infrastructure prompted the need for provincial assistance to help repair essential assets.
The MDRA Program: Providing Relief to Municipalities
The financial assistance to Callander is being provided through Ontario's Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance (MDRA) program. The MDRA program is designed to help municipalities cover extraordinary costs related to emergency response and infrastructure repairs caused by natural disasters. Eligible expenses can include operating and capital costs that exceed normal municipal budgets and are directly related to a disaster event.
Government Statements on the Funding
Graydon Smith, Ontario's Associate Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, emphasized the province's commitment to community safety and economic stability. "Our government is protecting Ontario by providing financial assistance to municipalities facing unexpected natural disasters. While it’s never easy to recover from an extreme weather event, our government is here to support the Municipality of Callander with repairs to municipal infrastructure damaged by the storm, keeping the community safe and economy growing," said Smith.
Vic Fedeli, Member of Provincial Parliament for Nipissing, also highlighted the importance of the investment, stating, "Our government is supporting our municipal partners, ensuring they can rebuild and recover without facing significant financial burdens following natural disasters. Today’s investment to repair essential infrastructure damaged during April’s extreme storm surge highlights the province’s commitment to strengthening and protecting communities across Ontario."
Program Eligibility and Additional Details
A municipality may be eligible for MDRA funding if disaster-related expenses equal at least three per cent of its own-purpose taxation levy. The support is intended to help municipalities pay for the emergency response and cleanup costs that exceed their regular budgets. Funding targets the repair of essential municipal property and infrastructure such as roads and bridges, helping communities restore vital services and maintain public safety following significant natural events.
Continued Provincial Support for Affected Communities
The Ontario government’s ongoing investments in disaster recovery demonstrate its commitment to protecting workers, supporting local economies, and ensuring the well-being of municipal residents. Initiatives like the MDRA program play a critical role in providing the resources needed for effective municipal disaster recovery and infrastructure repair after events like the April 2024 storm surge that impacted Callander.
Source: news.ontario.ca.
