Hydro One Ltd. Launches $500,000 Grant Initiative for Ice Storm 2025 Community Recovery
- Hydro One allocates $10,000 grants to 50 Indigenous communities for recovery after the 2025 ice storm.
- The initiative supports ecological restoration, including Selwyn Township's plan to plant over 350 trees.
- Hydro One emphasizes community collaboration and has invested $3.1 billion in local initiatives in 2024.
Hydro One’s Commitment to Community Recovery: The Ice Storm 2025 Grant Initiative
In a significant move to aid recovery efforts following the devastating ice storm that struck Ontario in spring 2025, Hydro One Inc. announces the allocation of its Ice Storm 2025: Recovery Grant. The initiative will provide $10,000 each to 50 Indigenous communities and municipalities impacted by the severe weather conditions, which resulted in extensive damage, including over 2,700 broken utility poles and significant infrastructure losses. This financial support aims to assist communities as they navigate the aftermath of the storm, with many declaring states of emergency due to the widespread destruction.
Among the grant recipients, Selwyn Township stands out for its commitment to environmental restoration. The township intends to utilize the grant to support its ReLeaf Program, which seeks to restore lost habitats and enhance biodiversity in the area by planting over 350 trees. Such initiatives underscore the dual focus of Hydro One’s recovery efforts: not only restoring power and infrastructure but also fostering ecological rehabilitation in affected communities. Bronwen Evans, Hydro One’s Vice President, emphasizes the importance of collaboration with Indigenous leaders and local emergency responders in the recovery process, highlighting the company’s holistic approach to community support.
Local officials, including Selwyn Township Mayor Sherry Senis and Peterborough County Warden Bonnie Clark, commend Hydro One for its proactive stance in community rebuilding efforts beyond mere power restoration. They recognize the grant as a vital resource that reflects Hydro One’s ongoing commitment to supporting local resilience and recovery. With an extensive customer base of 1.5 million and a financial portfolio that boasts $36.7 billion in assets, Hydro One continues to invest significantly in community initiatives, having allocated $3.1 billion for such programs in 2024. This latest grant initiative not only reinforces Hydro One’s dedication to restoring power but also highlights its broader commitment to community welfare and environmental sustainability.
In addition to the Ice Storm 2025: Recovery Grant, Hydro One remains focused on enhancing its infrastructure through continuous investment in community projects. As the largest electricity transmission and distribution provider in Ontario, the company plays a crucial role in ensuring that local communities can recover effectively from natural disasters while also fostering sustainable growth. For more information on Hydro One's community investment initiatives, stakeholders are encouraged to visit HydroOne.com/BuildingSafeCommunities.