The Municipality of Sioux Lookout continues its fight to be declared a “flood area” by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
Local officials say talks have been ongoing and assertive and have been told a decision will be coming in the very near future.
Chief Administrative Officer Michelle Larose says its been a challenge for the Ministry to assist, as the provincial government was in the midst of an election, which delayed a decision.
Larose says the designation is key to access disaster relief funding to help those impacted by flood waters.
She adds as waters recede, there will be a lot of clean up to be done in the community and those efforts will be done in phases.
Larose says plans are currently being developed to clean up debris on Municipal property, including beaches, walking paths, and streets.
Meantime, she is asking community members to send in photos and descriptions of areas impacted by flooding.
Larose says the Municipality has surveyed the extent of the flood area for future mapping and has taken photos and all information has been provided to the province for review.
Tips offered to local residents:
1. Contact your insurance company – if you have insurance coverage for flooding, you can file a claim. Any damages not covered by your insurer MAY be eligible for funding under the DRAO
program. All questions regarding eligibility under the DRAO program should be directed to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. If you do not have insurance coverage for flooding, you
should still contact your insurance company and request a “letter of denial” to demonstrate to the Province that your insurance will not cover any of the damages you suffered.
2. Learn more about the DRAO program by visiting Disaster Assistance.
(Photo from Sioux Lookout Twitter page)
Local residents and businesses impacted by flooding continue to wait on a flood area designation from the Province – and the wait continues. Read more on this and extra assistance for residents from the Municipality on our website – https://t.co/IeVyPrfvZH #siouxlookout #flood pic.twitter.com/BMPoVnOPGO
— Municipality of Sioux Lookout (@SiouxLookoutON) June 8, 2022
