Disaster Recovery Assistance Update for Central Manitoulin
This spring, the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing announced that financial assistance through the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program could be available to eligible communities affected by flooding.
Following that announcement, the Province investigated the flooding impacts in Central Manitoulin as part of its assessment process. The municipality, along with affected residents, provided information and supported the Province's review of reported damage and impacted properties.
After completing its investigation, the Province advised the Municipality of Central Manitoulin that the DRAO program would not be activated for our community. To qualify for activation, a community must meet provincial criteria, including a minimum threshold of affected primary residences and eligible businesses. Based on the information gathered and assessed by the Province, Central Manitoulin did not meet that required threshold.
We understand that this news may be disappointing for those who were affected by this spring’s flooding. While the provincial threshold was not met community-wide, the Municipality recognizes that residents, property owners and businesses experienced varying degrees of damage and disruption, and we want to sincerely thank everyone who reported damage, submitted information and assisted with the DRAO assessment process. Your time, cooperation and willingness to document and share your experiences were greatly appreciated and helped ensure that the effects of the flooding within our community were properly communicated to the province.
More information about the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians program is available at https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-disaster-recovery-assistance