ST. JOSEPH ISLAND – The Ontario government is activating the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program in the townships of St. Joseph, Jocelyn, and Hilton. The safety of those affected by this natural disaster is the government's top priority.

On August 11, 2021, high winds and a severe thunderstorm caused damage to dozens of maple syrup farms across the townships. Many sugar bushes, maple trees and farm equipment were also damaged during the storm. Numerous trees were downed, causing power outages that impacted thousands of people.

"St. Joseph Island is home to some of the largest maple syrup producers in Ontario. Our government stands with the families, farmers and businesses impacted by this natural disaster," said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. "The DRAO program helps small farms and businesses get back on their feet by providing assistance for essential costs that are not covered by insurance. I encourage those impacted by the storm to contact their insurance company before applying for assistance through the 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.

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, small farms and businesses with no insurance coverage or whose insurance coverage is insufficient to cover essential costs have until July 29, 2022, to apply for assistance through the program.