Puslinch is a step closer in getting provincial assistance to cover costs incurred from last December’s ice storm.
Deputy Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Laurie LeBlanc recently wrote to the township regarding its expression of interest to the Ice Storm Assistance Program.
“The ministry has carefully reviewed your submission and determined that you have provided sufficient evidence of damage incurred as a result of the December 21-22, 2013 ice storm. You are eligible to proceed to the full claim stage to seek assistance for eligible response and recovery costs.”
Detailed program guidelines and claim forms are anticipated by the end of summer.
“In the interim, please continue to track ice storm costs separately from normal operating costs in your financial system. Please also keep in mind that all claimed costs will be assessed against your supporting documentation and also will be subject to rigorous audit requirements. To be found eligible, costs must be supported by detailed documentation, such as damage reports, time sheets, invoices, proof of payment, and evidence that work was completed.”
LeBlanc added, “as a reminder, to be considered eligible for reimbursement, costs must be clearly linked to the December 21-22 ice storm event, be incremental to standard operating budgets, and be incurred to protect public health and safety or to secure access to public roads, sidewalks, or frequently travelled routes. The target date for incurring costs was June 22, 2014.”
Mayor Dennis Lever said it appears the township has been approved to go on to the next level.
“The words which stood out were full application and rigorous audit.”
Director of Finance Mary Hasan said Puslinch has completed the expression of interest for the funding which was due a couple of months ago.
“The next step is actually providing them with all the invoices and detailed documentation for the ice storm costs.”
Councillor Susan Fielding asked what the total cost of the submission might be.
Hasan estimated the amount to be in the $20,000 range.
Councillor Wayne Stokley was curious whether this would compensate the township for the full cost or just a percentage.
“It looks like they are going to give us the amount that relates to the ice storm – the full amount,” Hasan said.
“That’s what we anticipate,” added CAO Karen Landry.
