Province Activates Disaster Recovery Assistance to Support Residents in Burlington

Burlington, Ont.—Nov. 29, 2024— The City of Burlington is pleased to announce that the Ontario government is activating the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program. This will provide much needed support for residents in designated areas of Burlington alongside creeks after flooding in July. The City welcomes this important financial support. 

The DRAO program is administered by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) and provides financial assistance to individuals, small owner-operated businesses, farmers and not-for-profit organizations after a natural disaster.  

Earlier today, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing announced that designated areas in Burlington that were affected by flooding alongside creeks are eligible to apply for funding through the DRAO program. Within the activation areas, damage caused by sewer backup flooding is only eligible if a household is low-income as defined in the DRAO guidelines.  

Following the July 15 and 16 flood, the City and Halton Region facilitated a damage assessment visit by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing’s Provincial Damage Assessment Team. The purpose of the visit was to assess the damage from flooding. City staff also provided requested information to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing regarding areas impacted by flooding alongside creeks based on available information. The collaboration between the City, Region, and Province ensures Burlington residents' needs are addressed effectively. The essential funding announced today will provide support for community members as they work toward recovery. 

The DRAO program is not funded or run by the City. To find out if you are eligible to apply for assistance and for next steps, individuals should review the map and program guidelines available at: 

Local Support Available 

The City offers financial relief through the City’s Flood Relief Grant and Building Permit/Zoning Certificate Fee Flood Relief Program. Background information on these funding options is available at www.burlington.ca/flood

Halton Region’s Ex-gratia Grant ($1,000) for Public Sewer Backup can help residents to either offset the cost of an insurance deductible or help with in-home flooding-related costs that are not otherwise covered under their home insurance policy.

Home Flood Prevention incentives are also available through the City of Burlington and Halton Region. 

At a special meeting of Council held in August 2024, City staff were directed to report back to the Committee of the Whole with options and recommendations on establishing a Burlington Resilience Fund to support the community during natural disasters and emergencies. Staff will report back in February 2025. 

Burlington is a city where people, nature and business thrive. Sign up to learn more about Burlington at burlington.ca/subscribe and follow @CityBurlington on social media. 

Quote  

Mayor Marianne Meed Ward 

“We know some Burlington residents continue to recover from the flooding event in July. This has been tremendously difficult on families across the City and now there will be more help as you rebuild. The Province’s Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians program will provide more support to our residents who qualify. We thank the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for doing their part to support our community members who were hard-hit by flooding.”  

Links and Resources 

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