Some residents can get financial help under this program in Ontario

Some Ontarians are able to receive financial assistance from the provincial government following flooding earlier this year.

The province said it is offering financial help after flooding that happened in parts of Ottawa, as well as in northeastern, central, and eastern Ontario.

In April, melting snow, saturated ground, and repeated rain caused lakes, rivers, and creeks to overflow in parts of the province.

And on July 1, more than 150 mm of rain fell in parts of Ottawa, causing Graham Creek and Stillwater Creek to overflow and damage homes in the area, the province said.

“We know that floods can have a devastating effect on residents, businesses and communities,” said Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Rob Flack.

“That’s why we’re taking action to ensure that those impacted do not have to bear the unexpected costs of recovery alone.”

It applies to residents, small businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and farms in certain areas of Ottawa, Armour, Burk’s Falls, French River, Sudbury, Orillia, Ramara and Kawartha Lakes.

They can apply for help for damage caused by flooding that is not covered by insurance.

Applicants must first submit a claim through private insurance before applying through the program.

It’s part of the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians program, which applies to a primary residence and its basic contents, or to a small business, farm, or not-for-profit organization.

Clean-up expenses, costs to repair or replace essential property, and basic emergency expenses like evacuation costs are among the things eligible applicants can receive money for.

“Sewer backup is generally ineligible under the DRAO program,” the province noted.

“Basement and crawl space damage is eligible only to the extent necessary to restore these areas to a safe, basic condition. Basement finishes and furnishings are not eligible.”

The deadline to apply is Nov. 16.

Those who were impacted can visit the provincial government website for more information.