The provincial government has opened up Disaster Financial Assistance for British Columbians who have been affected by flooding that began on May 7.
The funding is available for the Regional Districts of Kootenay Boundary, Okanagan Similkameen, Central Okanagan, Columbia Shuswap and North Okanagan.
“The flood damage I saw in Grand Forks is nothing short of devastating,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “I want Grand Forks, and other B.C. communities hard hit by flooding, to know that the province is here to help now and for the long term. We are making this funding available to help residents, local governments and First Nations rebuild, so they can begin the process of healing.”
The financial assistance is available to eligible homeowners, residential tenants, small business owners, farmers, charitable organizations and local government bodies that were unable to obtain insurance to cover disaster-related losses.
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“People can go to the Prepared B.C. website, it’s a government website that will have information of where people can go,” said Farnworth. “People need to realize we are coming into flood season.”
Financial assistance is also available for eligible residents in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District from flooding that began on April 26.
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“During this trying time, we want British Columbians to know we will be here to help,” said B.C.’s Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Preparedness Jennifer Rice. “We’re hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst, and Disaster Financial Assistance is one way we can help people and local governments get back on their feet after an uninsurable disaster.”
Those eligible can receive 80 per cent of total eligible damage greater than $1,000, to a maximum claim of $300,000. A homeowner must be able to show that the home is their principal residence and can claim in multiple categories, including both homeowner and farm owner.
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Based on the provincial rules, seasonal or recreational properties, hot tubs, patios, pools, garden tools, landscaping, luxury items and recreational items, like bicycles are not eligible for assistance. Small business owners and farm owners have to show that their farms and businesses are their primary source of income.
The province will also cover 100 per cent of the claims to local government to run emergency operations centres and will cover 80 per cent of total eligible damage exceeding $1,000 to replace essential materials and rebuild or replace essential public infrastructures.