Chatham-Kent has qualified for provincial disaster relief funding.
The municipality says the province has activated the program for flood-affected areas in Chatham and Thamesville.
The provincial announcement notes that “the floods in Chatham and Thamesville were caused by heavy rainfall and warm temperatures that melted deep snow in the Thames River watershed.
Affected 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. The program reimburses 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 a main small business, farm, or not-for-profit organization.
Damage from sewer backup is not eligible under the program except under special provisions for low-income households.
At its peak, the river was more than 5 m above its normal level.
The municipality says the government is closely monitoring other areas experiencing flooding and it may activate the program in these areas as flood impacts continue to be assessed in the coming days and weeks.
More information and detailed program guidelines are available at www.ontario.ca/DisasterAssistance or call toll-free 1-844-780-8925.
To view more information on the effected areas, visit https://news.ontario.ca/mma/en/2018/03/province-activates-disaster-recovery-assistance-for-ontarians-program-to-help-residents-affected-by-1.html
The province will hold a public information session in the municipality as soon as details are finalized.
Chatham-Kent Mayor Randy Hope is praising the quick action by the province.
“Our goal is to help those affected by the flood to get things back to normal as soon as possible and I’m glad the province and Minister Mauro acted in a quick and decisive manner," he says. "I encourage anyone who suffered flood damage to contact the province regarding eligibility.”