Residents in a part of Muskoka Lakes who were affected by flooding in April can now apply to the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians program.
The province has activated the program for a specific area along River Street.
Officials say it’s for residents, small businesses, farms and not-for-profit organizations in identified areas impacted by flood damage that is not covered by insurance.
“When disaster strikes, people need to know there is a path forward,” says Graydon Smith, Associate Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and MPP for Parry Sound–Muskoka. “By expanding the DRAO program to these additional communities, we’re helping more Ontario residents get back on their feet.”
The province says in April, snowmelt, saturated ground and repeated rainfall caused rivers, creeks and lakes to overflow, resulting in widespread overland flooding across areas in northeastern, central and eastern Ontario.
“I want to thank the Ontario government for recognizing the impact of the April flooding and making this assistance available,” says Mayor Peter Chirico. “This support will help eligible residents and small businesses with essential costs that aren’t covered by insurance.”
Eligible applicants can receive financial assistance for emergency expenses including:
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clean up expenses
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costs to repair or replace essential property
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basic emergency expenses like evacuation costs.
Maps of specific areas included, and program guidelines are available at ontario.ca/DisasterAssistance.
The application deadline is Jan. 18.
