The Ontario government has announced that it is providing the Townships of Armour, Carling, Joly, Magnetawan and Strong with up to $2,559,000 to help cover emergency response costs and infrastructure repairs due to flooding that occurred in July 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.
“Communities across Parry Sound District felt the effects of last summer’s flooding, and I know how important it is to get roads and infrastructure repaired,” said Graydon Smith, Associate Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and MPP for Parry Sound—Muskoka. “This investment will help these municipalities rebuild and strengthen the infrastructure that keeps people, businesses and visitors connected.”
- The Township of Magnetawan will receive up to $1,070,000.
- The Township of Armour will receive up to $455,000.
- The Township of Joly will receive up to $420,000.
- The Township of Strong will receive up to $314,000.
- The Township of Carling will receive up to $300,000.
- 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.
“On behalf of Council and our residents, I would like to thank the Ontario government for recognizing the significant impact the July 2025 flooding had on our community,” said Sam Dunnett, Mayor of Magnetawan. “This funding will help restore essential infrastructure, reduce the financial burden on our municipality, and support our continued recovery. We are grateful for the province’s commitment to helping rural communities like Magnetawan rebuild stronger for the future.”
“Municipalities across Ontario are facing more frequent and severe weather events, placing increasing pressure on local budgets and services. Funding through the Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance (MDRA) program is critical to helping Armour Township recover from the July 2025 storm. Combined with the Township’s contingency planning efforts, this support will help us build back better, strengthen our infrastructure, and improve our resilience to future weather events. On behalf of Council and residents, I want to thank the Ontario government for its support,” said Rod Ward, Mayor of Armour.
On July 6, 2025, Parry Sound District experienced flooding, causing road washouts and damage to culverts across the Townships of Armour, Carling, Joly, Magnetawan and Strong. The MDRA funding will help these five municipalities cover the costs of repairing roads and other essential infrastructure damaged by the flood.
“Our government is protecting Ontario by supporting municipalities when unexpected natural disasters place pressure on local resources,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “This funding will help Parry Sound District recover from the impacts of flooding by offsetting emergency response and cleanup costs, while helping keep the local community safe.”
Ontario’s MDRA program helps municipalities pay for extraordinary emergency response and clean up costs, as well as damage to essential property or infrastructure as a result of natural disasters.
