Ontario and Quebec storms cause $439M in insured damage

Severe thunderstorms in Ontario and Quebec between June 30 and July 3, 2026, resulted in approximately $439 million in insured damages, according to estimates from Catastrophe Indices and Quantification Inc. and the Insurance Bureau of Canada.

The storms brought wind, hail, and torrential rain to the region. Ottawa experienced record-breaking rainfall on July 1, with 118 millimetres recorded, leading to more than 4,500 reported flooded basements.

Industry experts and the Insurance Bureau of Canada are calling for increased government investment in infrastructure and flood prevention measures to mitigate future risks. The reports note that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense, contributing to rising insurance costs and significant economic losses across Canada.