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Disaster recovery assistance launched to help those impacted by recent floods

March 26, 2018   ·   0 Comments

By Brock Weir

The Province has activated Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians program to help residents impacted by recent flooding in Adjala-Tosorontio.

Launched on Friday, it is a response to the heavy rainfall and rapid spring melt that led to overland flooding on February 17, impacting approximately 20 homes and small businesses.

“Individuals, small businesses and not-for-profit organizations that have experienced property damage or loss as a result of this disaster may be eligible to receive help with emergency and recovery expenses,” said the Ministry of Municipal Affairs. “The program provides reimbursement of expenses incurred but may also offer interim payments to those who need upfront help.

“The program applies to a primary residence and its basic contents, or to main small business premises, a farm or not-for-profit organization. Damage from sewer backup is not eligible under the program except under special provisions for low-income households.”

The Ministry activates the program in the event of a natural disaster such as a flood or a tornado. Homeowners and residential tenants, small business owners, farmers, and not-for-profit organizations can apply for assistance under the program if they are located in the defined geographical area for which the program has been activated following a natural disaster.

Applications may be submitted in more than one category, such as if your a small owner-operated business and your primary residence both suffer damage as a result of one of the eligible disasters, you can submit an application for both.

If you have sustained damage to your essential property as a result of a natural disaster and the program is activated in your geographic area, you must first complete the application form in full and sign it. Submit the completed form and all available supporting documentation to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs at the address on the form.

The application deadline is 120 days from this past Friday, March 16.

You are encouraged to submit your application as soon as you can assemble the required documents and information, so that financial assistance for eligible costs can be provided to you as soon as possible.

Documents include proof of identity and address, photographs of property damage, records of hours spent on emergency cleanup, copies of receipts for all costs incurred, estimates from qualified contractors for upcoming repairs, and letters from your insurance companies.

If there are expenses that you have not yet incurred, you may submit estimates from contractors with your initial application, and submit copies of final invoices and receipts later.

More information, applications and detailed program guidelines are available atontario.ca/DisasterAssistance or call toll-free 1-844-780-8925.

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