Ontario says it will provide up to $555,000 for flood recovery in Strong and Joly

Ontario said on Sept. 18, 2025, it will provide the Townships of Strong and Joly with up to $555,000 through the Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance (MDRA) program to cover eligible emergency response costs and repairs following flooding on June 23–24, 2024.

The province said heavy rain in late June triggered sudden flooding that washed out roads and damaged culverts in both townships. Up to 85 mm of rain fell over a short period, and some roads were closed due to safety concerns, according to the provincial news release.

Strong is approved for up to $492,000 and Joly for up to $63,000 through the MDRA program, the province said.

According to the MDRA guidelines cited in the release, the program helps municipalities pay extraordinary operating and capital costs directly linked to a natural disaster. A municipality may be eligible if its disaster-related costs reach a threshold of three per cent of its own-purpose taxation levy.

The ministry’s quick facts state eligible MDRA expenses may include operating and capital costs that are over and above regular municipal budgets and directly tied to the disaster.