Timiskaming District – The Ontario government is activating the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program in parts of the Town of Kirkland Lake, Township of McGarry, and Township of Chamberlain. The safety of those affected by this natural disaster is the government’s top priority.
Between April 11 and April 13, 2024, up to 80 millimeters of rain fell in Timiskaming District. The heavy rainfall caused sudden and unexpected flooding and damage to homes in Kirkland Lake, McGarry, and Chamberlain.
“I want to thank the municipal staff, volunteers, and emergency responders who went above and beyond to support the people impacted by flooding in Timiskaming District this spring,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Helping residents and communities recover following a natural disaster is important to us and that is why I am activating the disaster assistance program.”
The disaster assistance program applies to a primary residence and its basic contents, or to a small business, farm or not-for-profit organization. It provides assistance for emergency expenses and the costs to repair or replace essential property following a natural disaster not covered by insurance. Low-income households can apply for assistance for damage caused by sewer backup, which is not otherwise eligible under the program.
To find out if they may be eligible for assistance, if they are in the activation area and for next steps, individuals, small businesses, farms and not-for-profit organizations should review the map and program guidelines available at ontario.ca/DisasterAssistance, or call 1-877-822-0116 or email disasterassistance@ontario.ca after speaking with their private insurance provider. Residents with no insurance coverage or whose insurance coverage is insufficient to cover essential costs have until October 15, 2024, to apply for assistance through the program.