When wildfires impacted Kingston, Newfoundland in August 2025, families faced the difficult task of starting over.
What followed was a powerful example of partnership in action. Teams from On Side Restoration, Intact and belairdirect worked together to support homeowners throughout the recovery process—from initial claims through to rebuilding and restoration.
Together, we helped families navigate the road to recovery while supporting a community determined to rebuild. We’re proud to share this story of resilience, collaboration and the people who made recovery possible.
Watch the Story
This feature video, created by Intact Financial Corporation, highlights the people, partnerships and perseverance behind the Kingston wildfire recovery.
By the Numbers
- The wildfire started on August 3, 2025.
- On Side employees worked from a local recovery trailer for approximately six weeks post-loss.
- The size of the wildfire at its peak – 10,708 hectares – is larger than 15 football fields
- IFC received over 400 personal property claims
- Among IFC customers, more than 60 homes were fully destroyed. Less than a year later, 75% of claims have been closed
- More than 100 team members from Intact and On Side Restoration involved
- 75% of claims are closed
Recovery Is Personal
Behind every project was a family rebuilding their home and their future.
The resilience shown by the Kingston community has been remarkable. Neighbours supported one another, families adapted to difficult circumstances and homeowners remained focused on moving forward despite significant loss.
For On Side teams, it was a privilege to help customers throughout that journey, from emergency response to reconstruction and project completion.
The result is more than rebuilt homes. It’s a community continuing to move forward together.
A New Beginning
One of the most rewarding parts of recovery is seeing homeowners reach the finish line.
For families who experienced a total loss, rebuilding a home represents more than construction, it marks the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. Through determination and the support of dedicated recovery teams, many were able to begin again.
We’re honoured to have played a role alongside our partners in helping make that possible.
Together, we helped turn a story of loss into a story of recovery, resilience and hope.
In the News
The Kingston recovery story has been featured by media outlets across Newfoundland and Canada.
- CBC Newfoundland and Labrador:
‘We’re just moving forward’: rebuilding efforts carry on almost a year after Kingston fire | CBC News - The Telegram:
Conception Bay North rebuild continues ‘as best we can’ after wildfire | PNI Atlantic News - NTV New:
Residents continue to rebuild almost a year after devastating Kingston wildfire – NTV: Newfoundland and Labrador’s Most Trusted News Source
