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The storm that toppled trees and hydro poles in Ottawa caused more than $875 million in insured damage as it swept from southern Ontario into Quebec May 21, according to initial estimates.
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Damage is estimated at over $720 million in Ontario and $155 million in Quebec according to Catastrophe Indices and Quantification Inc., the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) said in a release.
The bureau pointed to the widespread destruction, deaths — at least five in the Ottawa area and ten across Ontario — and widespread power outages.
“The derecho event ranks as the sixth largest in terms of insured losses in Canadian history and is a sobering reminder of the increasing risk climate change poses to communities across Canada,” IBC said in the release.
“IBC continues to advocate for a National Adaptation Strategy that will result in tangible short-term measures that improve Canada’s climate defence. Governments at all levels must act with urgency to prioritize investments that reduce the impact of these severe weather events on families and communities.”
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Eight of the costliest disaster in Canadian history have happened since 2011.
Top 10 natural disasters in Canada by insurance payouts (2021 dollars)
- Fort McMurray wildfires, 2016, $4 billion
- Eastern ice storm, 1998, $2.3 billion
- Southern Alberta floods, 2013, $1.8 billion
- Alberta hailstorm, 2020, $1.2 billion
- Toronto flood, 2013, $1 billion
- Ontario-Quebec windstorm, 2022, $875 million
- Toronto flood, 2005, $780 million
- Ontario windstorm, 2018, $695 million
- British Columbia flood, 2021, $675 million
- Slave Lake fire, 2011, $600 million
Wind damage is usually covered by home, commercial property and auto insurance policies, IBC said.
The bureau was on the ground in Ottawa after the storm and said residents with insurance questions can reach them at 1-844-227-5422) or ConsumerCentre@ibc.ca and find more information about wind damage online.
