The March 29 to 30, 2025 ice storm caused extensive damage across central and eastern Ontario, with the City of Peterborough experiencing significant impacts to transportation networks, hydro infrastructure and municipal operations. In response, the City activated the Emergency Control Group (ECG) and implemented a coordinated multi-agency emergency response supported by community partners, third-party contractors, Ontario Corps volunteers and other municipalities.
Throughout the event, emergency services responded to an increased volume of calls related to downed hydro lines, transportation concerns, and structural hazards caused by ice loading. Public Works and utility services crews were deployed to clear debris, manage road safety, maintain and restore municipal infrastructure and support Hydro One with access to affected areas.
The March 2025 ice storm resulted in significant unplanned expenditures across multiple City divisions. Response and recovery costs totalled approximately $11 million and included equipment deployment, contractor support, overtime staffing, debris removal, facility operations and the operation of Warming Centres.
In response to the storm, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) established the Municipal Ice Storm Assistance (MISA) program to provide one-time financial support to eligible municipalities for incremental costs incurred because of the ice storm.
The City submitted its MISA application on October 31, 2025, identifying $9,359,201 in expenses eligible under MISA guidelines. The remaining $1.66 million in ineligible costs will be funded by the City and reflected in the 2025 operating budget. Based on the MISA funding formula, if the City’s claim is fully approved, the City would be eligible to receive $7,949,223 in provincial funding, with a municipal contribution totalling $1,409,978.
On December 18, 2025, the City received confirmation from MMAH of funding approval up to $7,950,000 for incremental costs incurred from the ice storm.
