After almost two years, Erin has received confirmation it has received 98.6 per cent of its claim under the Ontario Ice Storm Assistance Program.
Erin’s final eligible amount is $441,571 – about $6,000 shy of its total claim for damages following the Dec. 22, 2013 storm.
Staff submitted a expression of interest in June 2014, which was approved before making a final claim submission on Dec. 31, 2014. ,The submission was 600 pages long, according to financial analyst Larry Wheeler. He said it was a lengthy and thorough audit process, including nine phases.
“It was at that point where Sharon (Marshall) and I both realized how much we appreciated the detailed work that Louise (Warn) had done. It was fantastic. We’ve been through the ringer and it got a really good result,” said Wheeler.
Council also offered praise.
“I just want to say outstanding work. I know it’s been a long process and that’s a monster document … great work in the finance department,” said councillor Matt Sammut.
Councillor John Brennan also congratulated staff and asked how the money would be put to good use.
CAO Kathryn Ironmonger explained the money had already been accounted for in the 2015 budget.
“It’s already in our budget. We considered it being a guarantee we were going to get it. We were hopeful but it’s already included in your budget,” Ironmonger said.
