| How is the City of Burlington helping residents following the storm? |
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The City of Burlington is committed to helping residents who were impacted by the flood. Financial AssistanceOn Dec. 16, 2014, the Burlington Flood Disaster Relief Committee released the final numbers related to flood relief efforts. The Committee received 310 claim applications for losses and damages and raised $905,000. These funds were matched 2-1 by the Ontario Provincial Government for a total of approximately $2.7 million. Flood Mitigation StudyThe City of Burlington hired AMEC Foster Wheeler, one of Ontario's leading stormwater consulting experts to work with city staff to analyze the Aug. 4 storm and its impacts on Burlington's stormwater system. The report from this work recommended future actions to assist the city in dealing with the effects of climate change and mitigate future flooding risks throughout the city. For more information on this study, please visit Reports and Studies. |
| Are there other local grant programs to assist residents? |
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Many people have received the ex-gratia grants from Halton Region. These were given if flooding was the result of a sewage backup. The Region visited more than 2,300 homes and more than 2,000 households qualified for the $1,000 grant. Halton Region completed a flood mitigation study to identify options to resolve areas that have experienced repeat weather-related flooding events. |
| How did the community come together after the Aug. 4 flood? |
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Despite the difficult circumstances for many families, residents showed incredible community spirit - pulling together to help those impacted by the storm with clean up, fundraising and the donation of household items. Lead by the Burlington Community Foundation Flood Disaster Relief Committee, the community raised $905,000 to assist eligible flood victims. These funds were matched 2-1 by the Ontario Provincial Government for a total of approximately $2.7 million. Read more about the dispersal of these funds. The city Community Message Board listing household items for donation is now closed. If you have items you wish to donate to the community, please consider donating them to one of the non-profit organizations in Burlington to help people in need. The city is also grateful to the Canadian Red Cross, Samaritan's Purse, the United Way and their dedicated workers who spent hours assisting those affected by the flood. |
| Is the Aug. 4 storm a product of climate change? |
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Climate change does seem to be a factor. High-intensity, short duration storms are becoming more frequent, including wind storms and ice storms. Burlington and other municipalities need to adapt to changes in weather. |
| What is the city doing to adapt to climate change? |
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Creek erosion is a natural process. We will need to continue repairing, replacing and building new erosion control works, responding to current events and planning for the future. Please visit the city's News and Notices section for updates. |