Queen’s Park has rubber stamped disaster declarations by the Town of Blue Mountains, West Grey and Grey Highlands, following last month’s tornado damage.
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Jim Watson declared the entire affected region a disaster, making it eligible for assistance under the Ontario Diaster Relief Assistance program.
The province will provide two dollars for every dollar raised locally in disaster relief.
Although the damage figure in the three affected communities is still being added up, Warden Kevin Eccles says they have surpassed the 30 million dollar mark in damages.
Warden Eccles welcomes the approval from the province, but doubts anyone affected will see cash flowing in a matter of weeks.
He doubts anyone will see any money within six months.
Eccles says the three communities will have to first set up a joint disaster relief committee which will oversee the fundraising and settle claims.
Anyone affect by the tornadoes last month will have to apply for assistance thru their municipality.
The Ontario disaster relief assistance program helps residents where insurance does not cover losses.