A new report from the City of Toronto estimates that last month's devastating ice storm will cost the city approximately $106 million in damages and related clean up costs, a figure which is up considerably from earlier estimates of $75 million. In response to swelling costs, City Manager Joe Pennachetti is calling for Toronto to be declared a "disaster area" so as to qualify for the Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program.
It remains to be seen whether or not Mayor Rob Ford's refusal to declare a state of emergency during and immediately after the storm will have any bearing on the City's chances for financial subsidy from the province and federal government. But, as the report makes clear, it sure would be nice to get some support. When one adds the costs incurred from the July floods, Toronto is out $171 million to storm-related damage this year. The report will go before council at a special meeting tomorrow. What do you think of our chances? Is relief on the way?
Ice storm cost breakdown:
Parks, Forestry and Recreation: $52,213,000
Solid Waste Management Services: $24,474,797
Toronto Employment and Social Services: $1,009,000
Transportation Services: $8,802,961
Toronto Water: $1,506,560
Other City Divisions: $1,703,477
Toronto Hydro: $13,900,000
Toronto Police Service: $245,000
Toronto Transit Commission: $700,000
Toronto Library: $53,996
Toronto Community Housing: $2,145,337
Toronto Zoo: $187,000
Photo by Andrea Williams in the blogTO Flickr pool
by Derek Flack via blogTO
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