Provincial funding now available for 2023 flood victims

WEST CARLETON – West Carleton residents affected by flooding during the 2023 spring freshet may now be eligible for provincial support.

“The Province of Ontario has recently activated the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program for the flooding this past May,” Coun. Clarke Kelly’s office released in a statement Friday (July 14). “Some parts of Ward 5 are covered by the current DRAO program.”

Affected residents have until Nov. 10, to take advantage of this program for expenses related to the May 2023 flooding along the Ottawa River.

The DRAO helps eligible homeowners and tenants within an activated area get back on their feet, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing said.

“The program has been activated in parts of the City of Ottawa, Whitewater Region and the Laurentian Valley due to the Ottawa River flooding that occurred on Wednesday, May. 23,” the Ontario government released in a statement.

Eligible costs include emergency expenses, clean-up expenses and costs to repair or replace essential property such as furnaces and hot water heaters.

“The program does not cover costs such as refinishing basement recreation rooms or restoring landscaping, fencing, retaining walls, docks or boathouses. Insurance payments will be deducted from eligible costs,” the province said.

Secondary residences or cottages are also not eligible.

For those who think they might need assistance with their application, West Carleton Disaster Relief (WCDR) is ready to help.

“Please visit our site for more information we are happy to help you with your applications,” WCDR released in a statement Friday. “Whether you have had minor or major damage DRAO is here to help. 
Applications are due Nov 10. We have assisted many residents with their applications through our past disasters and are ready to lend you a hand. Please contact us for assistance or advice.”

Full details on resident and cost eligibility, along with claim forms, can be found at ontario.ca/disasterassistance.

For assistance in applying, you can contact WCDR at 613-447-4446 or email flood@westcarletonrelief.ca.