Chatham-Kent residents affected by last month's flooding have the opportunity to learn more about funding at public meetings this week.
According to a news release from the municipality, the meetings will be held in Chatham on Wednesday and in Thamesville on Thursday to provide information on how to apply for funding under the province’s Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians Program.
The Chatham session will be held in council chambers at the Civic Centre on King St. W. The Thamesville session will be held at Branch 367 of the Royal Canadian Legion on Victoria St.
Both sessions begin at 6pm.
The municipality says affected residents, 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 news release states that the program provides reimbursement of expenses incurred from the flooding 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.
According to the municipality, approximately 70 homes and 10 businesses in Chatham were damaged by flood water. In Thamesville, about 40 homes were damaged. The number of eligible claims is unknown at this time.
Provincial and municipal staff will be attending both sessions. A representative of the Insurance Bureau of Canada will be at the Thursday session.
More information and detailed program guidelines are available online or by calling toll-free 1-844-780-8925.
To view more information on the affected areas, visit the province's website.