News

$455,000 for Disaster Recovery in Callander

CALLANDER — Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing announced that the Ontario government is investing $455,000 to help the Municipality of Callander repair essential infrastructure damaged by the extreme storm surge in April 2024. This financial support is being provided through the Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance (MDRA) program and is part of the province’s plan to protect Ontario with investments to help repair critical infrastructure when disaster strikes, keeping workers on the job, and communities safe. 

“Our government is proud to support the Municipality of Callander, ensuring they can rebuild and recover, without facing significant financial burdens following natural disasters beyond their control,” said Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing. “Today’s $455,000 investment to repair essential infrastructure damaged during April’s extreme storm surge highlights the provinces commitment to strengthening and protecting northern communities in Ontario.”

“The April 2024 storm had a significant impact on our community, causing extensive damage to our shoreline infrastructure. For a small municipality like Callander, unexpected costs of this magnitude can be challenging. We are very grateful to the Province of Ontario for recognizing the financial pressures this event placed on our municipality and for providing this much-needed assistance. This funding will help us protect our infrastructure while easing the burden on our local taxpayers.” –  Jordy Carr, Mayor, Municipality of Callander.

In April 2024, high winds across Lake Nipissing generated powerful waves and an extreme storm surge over a short period of time in the Municipality of Callander. The storm caused significant damage to shoreline infrastructure along Callander Bay, including the collapse of a breakwall. MDRA funding will help cover the cost of repairing municipal infrastructure damaged by the storm.

Ontario’s MDRA program helps municipalities pay for extraordinary emergency response and clean up costs due to natural disasters. Funding can be used to repair essential property and infrastructure, such as roads and bridges.

Quick Facts

• Eligible expenses under the MDRA program may include operating and capital costs that are over and above regular municipal budgets and are directly linked to the disaster.
• A municipality may be eligible for the program if its disaster-related costs reach a threshold of three per cent of its own-purpose taxation levy.