Leamington seeks $1 million from Ontario to cover insurance shortfall arising from tornado losses

The municipality of Leamington is seeking funds from the provincial government to cover a $1-million shortfall to repair damages and cleanup as a result of the tornado that tore through the area in June 2010.The estimated gross cost to the municipality for lost revenues, clean-up and repair/replacement of municipal assets and infrastructure damaged from the storm is estimated at $3.4 million, a city report said. “It is notable that many of the costs are still at the ‘estimated’ stage, with the largest single cost related to the municipal docks estimated at $1.35 to $1.6 million. In addition, incremental costs of $293,000 have been submitted by supporting municipalities, for a total gross cost estimate of approximately $3.7 million,” the report said. Council estimated insurance and government funding would cover only $2.45 million of these costs. “It is recommended the Municipality pursue additional funding to offset costs from the storm event and submit a request to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for an additional $1 million under the Special Assistance Grant (SAG) program.”