The Grand River Conservation Authority’s costs related to last December’s ice storm are expected to add up to around $275,000.
Thousands of trees were damaged on the 20,000 hectares of land owned by the GRCA. Dozens of staff, augmented by four private tree firms, have been working steadily since December to clear out hazardous trees and branches.
The forestry costs of the December ice storm could be as high as $200,000 and the cost for hydro repairs is expected to be around $75,000. The GRCA is looking for ways to cover these costs.
The damage is so heavy that some popular areas and trails have not yet seen work crews. Grand River Parks were late to open for the winter activities and Pinehurst Lake will remain closed until spring.
The GRCA posted “No Trespassing” signs on trails, parks and natural areas to urge people to stay out while crews continue to clean up.
GRCA parks staff have authority under provincial law to issue trespassing tickets and the authority says they will do so for anyone who ignore requests to leave a property or who return after having been asked to leave.
