2022 Hastings Area Storms
December 6, 2022
I want to take a moment to reach out to everyone who was impacted by the terrible storms that swept through our region in the spring. My office has received many calls and emails regarding the damages and difficulties, and my staff have made sure that I was aware of the concerns.
In searching for ways to help my constituents, I have come to realize that the Disaster Relief programs that the Ontario government currently has in place clearly aren’t adequate for the damages the people in our region have experienced. The current programs focus on wide swathes of destroyed homes rather than a few individual ones. There is nothing in the current programs to assist with secondary homes, outbuildings, business losses, or properties eligible but inadequately covered by insurance.
There is also nothing in the current programs for the care of acres of destroyed forests and blocked rivers, which both my staff and I are very aware will create the potential for massive future flooding and/or forest fires. I am currently working with Minister Graydon Smith of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry to find a different way to fund some of the tornado cleanup. We continue to receive drone footage of the devastation, which we have been passing forward to the MNRF and the Premier’s Office to strengthen our arguments.
I want to acknowledge the tremendous work done by so many people in helping to restore services and clear roadways. So many people volunteered, and just came out to get things done. It was an awesome demonstration of how our communities support each other. This is our greatest strength and I am impressed with all of you that stepped up. It is an honor to represent you.
We should also recognize the road crews, the hydro crews, and so many others that worked many hours to get the roads cleared and the people safe. Our municipal partners and their staff have gone above and beyond in their efforts to serve our residents that have been affected. I am happy to report that our staff have helped several municipalities to apply for some compensation from the provincial government to cover these extenuating costs.
We will continue to advocate for those affected by this terrible storm and when we have further news or developments, we will communicate that to those affected.