October 4, 2013: Huron Shores State of Emergency Update

The Municipality of Huron Shores declared a local state of emergency on September 10^th, 2013.  The state of emergency remains in effect.  At its September 11^th, 2013 Regular Meeting, Council passed a resolution to request the Minister of Municipal Affairs declare the Municipality to be a disaster area.  If the Minister so declares, Huron Shores will become eligible for Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program (ODRAP) funding.  ODRAP funding will not, nor is it intended to, cover all costs that the Municipality will incur in recovering from the extensive storm damages to our roads.

The weather events of the night of September 9^th and 10^th, 2013, caused some 82 road washouts in Huron Shores (Note:  This is a large File – almost 3Mb in size), leaving some residents stranded between washouts.  This led to extraordinary efforts by municipal staff, contractors and volunteers to re-open roads and ensure residents had access to emergency services, albeit on a restricted basis, while maintaining essential municipal administrative services.

Significant unanticipated expense has already been incurred in the preliminary repairs to municipal roads and infrastructure.  It is estimated that storm recovery repairs will be ongoing for two to three years.  This means that many temporary repairs done to address

immediate travel and emergency services concerns will have to be re-assessed; if necessary, additional work may yet be required.

Mayor Reeves issued the following statement:  “The Municipality is faced with an estimated $1,140,000.00 in unanticipated expenses which will have far reaching effects.  Council has some difficult decisions ahead in order to restore our roads system while maintaining the financial health of the Municipality.”

In addition, the Municipality has made application under the private component of ODRAP.  If you, as a private home owner, small business, farm, or non-profit organization, experienced flood damage due to the storm, and have not yet been in contact with the Municipal Office, we would like to hear from you (705-843-2033 or email@huronshores.ca).  For further information respecting ODRAP, please visit the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing website at www.mah.gov.on.ca/odrap or click on the following links to learn more about the private component of ODRAP:

• ODRAP – Guide for Homeowners and Tenants
• ODRAP – Guide for Small Businesses, Farms and Non-Profit Organizations

Council and Staff appreciate your understanding as the Municipality continues to make roads improvements due to this unprecedented flood event.

The following photos illustrate some of the damage to municipal infrastructure from the September 9-10, 2013 Flood Event: