Municipal Affairs Minister Jim Watson declared the entire affected region a disaster, making it eligible for provincial assistance, and the province will provide $2 for every dollar raised locally in disaster relief.

Although the damage figure in the three affected communities is still being added up, Warden Kevin Eccles says it has surpassed the $30-million mark.

Eccles welcomes the approval from the province, but doubts anyone will see any money within six months.

He says the three communities will have to first set up a joint disaster relief committee, which will oversee fundraising and settle claims.

The Ontario disaster relief assistance program helps residents where insurance does not cover losses.