think it's good to be reminded once in a while that — despite our best efforts — we can't totally insulate ourselves from nature," she said. "But having been reminded, I'm prepared for it to end."

Heavily populated areas like Ottawa and Montreal, as well as smaller communities like Kingston and Cornwall, were hit hard by the 1998 ice storm. (Statistics Canada)

Largest deployment since Korean War

As well, Canadian Forces members from about 200 units across the country descended upon the hardest-hit areas.

They provided food and shelter, moved the sick and injured to safety, and helped hydro crews restore power.

Dubbed "Operation Recuperation," it was the largest deployment of troops ever to respond to a Canadian natural disaster.

It was also the largest deployment of Canadian military personnel since the Korean War.And while the bill would eventually come to about $60 million, for many communities, it was money well spent.

Former prime minister Jean Chretien steps off a helicopter and onto Wolfe Island south of Kingston, Ont., on Jan. 13, 1998. Wolfe Island residences were without power for days after the brunt of the ice storm passed through. (John Lehmann/The Canadian Press)

Canadians pitched in

"This task is so overwhelming we're going to be many, many days sorting it out," said then-mayor of Kingston, Ont., Gary Bennett, shortly after the weather turned.

Kingston ended up declaring the first state of emergency in the city's history, one of 57 communities in Ontario to do so.

The military wasn't alone in pitching in to help, however: Canadians from coast to coast sent money, blankets, firewood, and