Severn Sound Environmental Association receives a $200,000 grant for a watershed flood resilience project

Port McNicoll, Township of Tay, September 25, 2025: The Township of Tay is pleased to announce that, in partnership with the Severn Sound Environmental Association (SSEA), they have been selected as a recipient of funding through Intact Financial Corporation’s 2025 Municipal Climate Resiliency Grants program.

This project, led by SSEA with Tay serving as the treasurer municipality, received a $200,000 grant to implement a flood resilience project tailored to the needs of all eight SSEA member municipalities.

“Tay is proud to be taking proactive steps to build a more resilient future. As a shoreline community, we’ve seen firsthand how flooding can affect our homes and natural spaces. Through this partnership with the SSEA and support from Intact Foundation, we’re strengthening our ability to plan ahead, protect our infrastructure, and preserve the environment our residents value. This project reflects our commitment to Tay Resilient, a pillar of our strategic plan, and we look forward to working with our neighbouring municipalities to advance this important regional effort.” Mayor Ted Walker, Township of Tay.

The project aims to restore natural defences and strengthen planning to help reduce the growing risks of flooding in the region's communities. This unique multi-jurisdiction project will collaborate with regional partners, regional expertise on flood risks, and community preparedness.

As the frequency and severity of extreme weather continues to increase and drives more frequent and severe flood events across Ontario, the SSEA member municipalities are acting early to protect homes, ecosystems, and infrastructure.

Through this funding, SSEA will coordinate the Severn Sound Watershed Community Flood Risk Review, a multi-phase, multi-municipal initiative designed to identify flood-prone areas and develop regionally coordinated strategies for risk reduction across all SSEA municipalities. The Township of Tay will collaborate with SSEA and neighbouring member municipalities, including the Township of Severn, Springwater, Tiny, Oro-Medonte, Georgian Bay, and the Towns of Midland and Penetanguishene, ensuring every member benefits from this collective effort.

“As chair of the SSEA Board, we continue to collaborate on meaningful and impactful projects. Working together is how we address large issues like climate change and flooding risks. By collaborating across the Severn Sound watershed, we will be able to achieve more collectively and help communities address flood risks.” – SSEA Board Chair Danielle Alexander, Springwater Councillor.

The project includes a regional flood risk assessment and the development of preparedness tools, such as policy guidance, flood risk and prioritization mapping, and public information materials. Two stakeholder workshops will be held to engage regional partners and present a final case study report to participating municipalities.

The project is expected to begin implementation in October 2025.

“Tay and the SSEA are setting a powerful example of how rural communities can drive meaningful progress in climate resilience. By prioritizing scientific research, collaboration, and stewardship, they are developing projects that promise lasting benefits for the region. We are proud to support their commitment through our Municipal Climate Resiliency Grants program,” said Peter Janzen, Senior Vice President, Ontario, Intact Insurance.