Oro-Medonte asks Ontario government to declare natural disaster, 2 weeks after ice storm

Eight years ago, Luke Sedgwick began a luxury camping eco-retreat on his family farm in Oro-Medonte, Ont., after the farm had been struggling financially. 

Now, two weeks after an ice storm hit the province, he estimates the cost to rebuild will be around $300,000. The storm tore through 10 of the 14 accommodations at Glen Oro Farm, just over 100 kilometres north of Toronto, with falling trees snapping tent supports and shredding canvas structures.

What used to be a forest on the property has become an open field, Sedgwick says, almost like a wasteland. 

"My grandfather planted these trees," he said. "To see them come down in my own lifetime is super sad." 

Sedgwick is joining the mayor of Oro-Medonte in calling on the province to declare a natural disaster in the township. If Ontario makes this declaration, the township and local businesses will be able to apply for federal and provincial relief funds as they continue cleanup efforts. 

Municipalities can submit a claim to the Ontario government's Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance program to receive financial relief after natural disasters, a spokesperson for the Minister of Municipal Affairs said on Tuesday. 

Oro-Medonte has not submitted a claim to the ministry for support through the program and declaring a state of emergency is not required to receive relief. 

It's unlikely insurance will cover any costs as Glen Oro Farm rebuilds, as it doesn't cover damages related to ice and hail, Sedgwick said. 

The farm has set up a GoFundMe and received $60,000 in donations. But Sedgwick is hopeful he'll have the chance to apply for federal relief funds if the province declares a natural disaster in the municipality. 

"Having the access to that is the difference between businesses like ours going bankrupt and being able to keep cash flow while we're closed," he said. 

"If this doesn't classify as a natural disaster, I'm not sure exactly what would." 

Mayor to send letter to premier, minister of housing

Mayor Randy Greenlaw says the ice storm has been devastating and horrific for businesses in the township, including Glen Oro Farm. 

"It's hard to see someone's dream get torn up by nature in that manner," he said. 

The township has had multiple conversations with MPPs Jill Dunlop and Doug Downey, who represent the region, as it continues the cleanup — including through the hiring of private contractors. 

But the decision to declare a natural disaster remains in the hands of Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack, Greenlaw said. 

Oro-Medonte has already spent $750,000 on cleaning up since the ice storm, which is three per cent of its tax levy, and there is "much more work to be done going forward," he said. 

Without additional funds from the province to offset costs, Greenlaw said the township may have to adjust its tax levy, which could mean property taxes will increase in 2026. 

Greenlaw said he will send a letter to Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack on Monday, requesting natural disaster relief for the township and its residents. 

Oro-Medonte remains under a state of emergency due to the number of downed trees and debris that are yet to be cleaned, he said.