Provincial officials have notified seven Ontario municipalities, including Mapleton and Minto, that it has activated the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians program in flood-affected areas.
Other municipalities notified, according to an Aug. 3 press release from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs, are Adjala-Tosorontio, Grand Valley, Mono, New Tecumseth and Woolwich.
Significant rainfall on June 22 and 23 of this year caused widespread flooding throughout the region, impacting more than 400 homes and small businesses. The Nottawasaga Conservation Authority classified the rainfall that occurred over the two days as a 100-year storm.
Affected individuals, small businesses, farmers and not-for-profit organizations who have experienced property damage or loss as a result of the disaster may be eligible to receive help with emergency and recovery expenses, the press release states.
The program applies to a primary residence and its basic contents, or a main small business, farm or not-for-profit organization premise.
The government is closely monitoring other areas experiencing flooding across the province.
It may activate the program in these areas as flood impacts continue to be assessed in the coming days and weeks.
How to apply
Program guidelines, frequently asked questions and application forms can be found at ontario.ca/disasterassistance.
The program is run entirely by the province.
Information is available by emailing disasterassistance@ontario.ca or by calling toll free 1-844-780-8925. The application deadline is Dec. 1. Anyone having difficulty accessing the web-based materials may pick up forms and information at their municipal office.
A press release from the Town of Minto states that 110 properties were damaged in that municipality. Ministry officials were in contact with the town during and after the emergency.
“We are pleased the minister activated the program in Minto to help people recover from this event,” stated Minto Mayor George Bridge.
The Harriston Kinsmen Club has established a flood relief fund. Donations are accepted through the Royal Bank of Canada branch in Harriston.
