Ontario Government Activates Disaster Recovery Assistance to Support Residents in Port Bruce
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
2022-03-31 15:00:00

Port Bruce – The Ontario government is activating the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program in the community of Port Bruce in the Township of Malahide. The safety of those affected by this natural disaster is the government's top priority.

On February 17, 2022, an ice jam at the mouth of the Catfish Creek at Lake Erie caused widespread flooding throughout Port Bruce. Water was up to three feet deep in some areas. Many residents were forced to evacuate their homes and seek emergency shelter. According to local officials, the area has not experienced such significant flooding in almost 40 years.

"I want to thank the municipal staff, volunteers, and emergency responders who went above and beyond to support the people of Port Bruce," said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing." Our government stands with the families and businesses who have been impacted by this historic flood. I encourage those impacted by the flood 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 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.