Township Receives Provincial Funding Through Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance

The Township of Madawaska Valley is pleased to announce that we are the recipients of $159,000 to aid in recovering costs from flash flooding that took place in summer 2024. The flooding seriously damaged Perrier, Old Barry's Bay, Stanley Olsheskie, and Lower Craigmont roads.

Read the full release from the province below, or click here.

The Ontario government is providing the Township of Madawaska Valley with up to $159,000 in provincial disaster recovery funding to help cover emergency response costs and critical infrastructure repairs due to flooding that occurred in August 2024.

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 record investments in infrastructure that will help keep workers on the job and keep communities safe.

“We’re proud to stand with our municipal partners as they recover and rebuild. This funding will help ease the burden on the Township of Madawaska and ensure the safety and well-being of local residents,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “The Municipal Disaster Recovery Program protects municipalities by helping to pay for extraordinary emergency response costs and damage to essential property or infrastructure that is due to a natural disaster.”

On August 18, 2024, the Township of Madawaska Valley experienced heavy rainfall, causing flooding across the municipality. The funding will help the Township to cover the costs of repairing roads, culverts and other essential infrastructure damaged by the flooding.

“Our government continues to stand with municipalities — partnering with them to share costs and provide support during times of emergency,” said Billy Denault, Member of Provincial Parliament for Renfrew—Nipissing—Pembroke. “The relief provided by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing supports the Township of Madawaska Valley in their ongoing commitment to rebuilding for the long-term.”

"The Madawaska Valley Council and staff take great pride in being fiscally responsible, but even one natural disaster can stretch municipal resources to their limit. Last year’s flooding caused significant damage, and would have resulted in a 3.8% increase in the municipal levy without external assistance. This support not only helps to cover repair costs but also gives the council and residents peace of mind, knowing they are not facing these challenges alone. The Township extends its sincere thanks to Minister Flack for his support, and to MPP Denault for recognizing the vital importance of such assistance and advocating for the unique challenges rural municipalities face. This highlights how collaboration at all levels is essential to overcoming difficulties and maintaining community well-being." - Suzanne Klatt, CAO/Clerk, Township of Madawaska Valley