The Ontario government is activating its disaster assistance program for multiple communities reeling from two separate flooding events this year, offering financial relief to residents, small businesses, farms and not-for-profit organizations. The Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians program is now available in Armour Township, Burk’s Falls, French River and Sudbury as well as Ottawa, Orillia, Ramara and Kawartha Lakes. The assistance covers damage from flooding caused by overflowing lakes, rivers and creeks that is not already covered by insurance. Eligible applicants can receive help with cleanup expenses, costs to repair or replace essential property, and basic emergency costs such as evacuation. The application deadline is Nov. 16. Two floods, widespread damage The eligibility covers two distinct flooding periods. In April, snowmelt combined with saturated ground and repeated rainfall caused rivers, creeks and lakes to overflow across northeastern, central and eastern Ontario. Then on July 1, more than 150 millimetres of rain fell in parts of Ottawa, causing Graham Creek and Stillwater Creek to burst their banks and damage homes. Municipal leaders described the spring flooding as sudden and severe. “This year’s flooding came very close to setting new records and took everyone by surprise with its suddenness and severity,” said Burk’s Falls Mayor Chris Hope in a government news release. In French River, Mayor Gisèle Pageau said the devastation was distressing. “The devastation to many homes was heartbreaking, and several of our tourism businesses continue to face significant challenges as they recover,” she said. Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre said the support will aid eligible residents, businesses and organizations as they recover. Provincial commitment Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Rob Flack said the government is acting to ensure flood victims do not bear the full cost of recovery alone. “We know that floods can have a devastating effect on residents, businesses and communities,” Flack said. Emergency Preparedness Minister Jill Dunlop thanked first responders, municipal staff and volunteers who assisted during the flooding. “Our government is committed to supporting residents before, during and after emergencies, so they can rebuild, recover and move forward,” Dunlop said. Graydon Smith, MPP for Parry Sound—Muskoka, said the assistance will help affected residents in Burk’s Falls and the Township of Armour. “When serious disasters strike, it is reassuring to know that our government is there to provide support,” Smith said. Insurance requirement and program limits The province stresses that the program does not replace private insurance. Applicants must file a claim with their insurer before applying to the provincial program. Sewer backup is generally ineligible. Basement and crawl space damage is eligible only to the extent necessary to restore those areas to a safe, basic condition. Finishes and furnishings are not covered. Impacted individuals can call 1-877-822-0116 or email disasterassistance@ontario.ca after speaking with their insurer. Program guidelines are available at ontario.ca/DisasterAssistance.
