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Ontario Announces Disaster Recovery Funding for O’Connor Township

  • 4 days ago
  • 2 min read

Province investing up to $30,000 for emergency response and repair costs due to flooding

News Release | May 21st, 2026

THUNDER BAY — The Ontario government is providing O’Connor Township with up to $30,000 to help cover essential infrastructure repair costs due to flooding that occurred in April 2025. 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 will always protect Ontario and stand with our municipal partners in their times of need,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “While it is never easy to recover from unexpected natural disasters, this funding will help offset the costs of repairs to damaged critical infrastructure, allowing O’Connor Township to safely recover and rebuild their community.”

On April 28, 2025, O’Connor Township experienced heavy rainfall, causing flooding across the municipality. The MDRA funding will help the Township cover the costs of repairing roads and other essential infrastructure damaged by the flooding.


“This funding through the Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance program reflects Ontario’s commitment to supporting municipalities when disaster strikes,” said The Hon. Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay Atikokan. “It will assist O’Connor Township in addressing essential repair costs and restoring critical infrastructure impacted by the spring flooding. As a former mayor of my community, I know first hand that this support will make a meaningful difference in helping the community recover and complete necessary repairs.”

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.


Quotes

"On behalf of the Council, Staff, residents and all that use the Township of O’Connor roadways, I would like to express our gratitude to the Province of Ontario for the emergency funding provided through the MDRA program for the damage caused by this significant weather event, and for helping to alleviate the financial burden that, otherwise, would’ve been placed on the Township’s taxpayers."

-Jim Vezina, Mayor, Township of O’Connor


Quick Facts


  • A local weather station measured up to 67.2 mm of rainfall in O’Connor Township over an eight-hour period.

  • 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.


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