OTTAWA – The Ontario government is activating the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program in three municipalities along the Ottawa River. The safety of those affected by this natural disaster is the government’s top priority.
In May 2023, high water levels along the Ottawa River led to flooding in parts of the City of Ottawa, Whitewater Region, and Laurentian Valley. Many residents in these areas along the Ottawa River do not have insurance coverage for flood damage. Under DRAO, eligible residents and small businesses will be able to apply for reimbursement of clean-up, evacuation, essential repairs, and other costs in accordance with program guidelines.
“I want to thank the municipal staff, volunteers, and emergency responders who went above and beyond to support the people impacted by the Ottawa River flooding,” said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Our government will continue working in partnership with local municipalities to help affected families get back on their feet.” 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. Secondary residences and cottages are not eligible for assistance.
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 maps 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 November 10, 2023 to apply for assistance through the program.