TORONTO – NEWS – The province of Ontario has activated the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program in Rainy River District and parts of Kenora District in Northwestern Ontario.
Heavy precipitation and snowmelt caused widespread flooding in several municipalities and unincorporated areas in the area. The flooding caused damage to primary residences and small businesses in many communities in the area, including Kenora, Sioux Lookout, Ignace and Ear Falls in Kenora District, as well as various parts of Rainy River District.
According to Environment Canada, Northwestern Ontario has seen 312 per cent more precipitation in April and May 2022 compared to last year.
The disaster assistance program applies to a primary residence and its basic contents, or to a small business, farm or not-for-profit organization. Following a natural disaster, it may provide assistance for basic emergency and clean up expenses and the costs to repair or replace essential property not covered by insurance.
Residents with no insurance coverage or whose insurance coverage is insufficient to cover essential costs have until October 7, 2022 to apply for assistance through the program.
The ministry will be updating its website with additional information for individuals, small businesses, farms and not-for-profit organizations in the affected areas. In the interest of time it would be appreciated if you could share the attached map with your audience.
