Harsh Ontario winter causes $70M in damages

TORONTO—Wildly fluctuating weather in Ontario in February and March caused over $70 million in insured damage, reports the Insurance Bureau of Canada

Ontario’s freeze at the beginning of February was quickly followed by warm weather and rain, which led to snowmelt, ice jams and flooding. Then in early March, heavy rain, and in some areas snow, followed by warmer temperatures, also led to snowmelt and flooding.

The loss calculations were calculated by Catastrophe Indices and Quantification Inc.

There were widespread reports of water-related damage from the February event including basement leakage, sewer backups and burst pipes. A burst watermain in downtown Toronto created two sinkholes. Roads flooded in Ottawa and Cornwall due to clogged catch basins. Total insured damage for the event was over $33 million.

The March storms resulted in flooding and water-related damage due to heavy rain and snowmelt. Much of the damage was in Toronto and surrounding areas, caused by the melting of an unusually large snowpack. Damage included roof and basement leaks. Total insured damage totalled close to $37 million.

The Insurance Bureau of Canada is campaigning for improved building codes, better land-use planning, incentives to shift the development of homes and businesses away from areas at high risk of flooding, and upgraded infrastructure to protect communities from floods, noted the statement.

“While the insured damage from these storms is significant, the total economic cost to homeowners and governments is even greater,” said Kim Donaldson, Ontario vice-president for the insurance bureau, in the statement.