The province says it won’t be giving the City of Vaughan any disaster relief money to pay for needed repairs after this summer’s tornado, according to an announcement made Friday.
Vaughan Mayor Linda Jackson says she will continue to pursue other options for provincial or federal assistance.
Vaughan and York Region estimate the cost of response and recovery efforts from the storm at over $500,000.
The Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program is designed to help municipalities, individuals, farmers, small businesses and non-profit organizations after a natural disaster.
The program is intended to cover the costs of returning essential items to pre-disaster condition for people who have suffered damage in designated disaster areas.
To add to concerns regarding the denial, many affected residents are also waiting to be compensated for damage by their insurance companies.
“The issues with insurance companies are becoming really widespread,” Jackson told CP24 on Friday. “Claims that started at $40,000 to 50,000 are climbing to $200,000 because mould is starting to get into those homes and winter is coming.”
An F-2 tornado touched down in Vaughan on August 20, damaging about 600 homes and forcing the city into a state of emergency.
About 70 residents turned out and many say they're still waiting for their insurance companies to provide compensation.
