Sioux Lookout residents encouraged to participate in storm damage survey
Tim Brody - Editor
The Municipality of Sioux Lookout is exploring all recovery assistance options available in the wake of the June 23 storm which caused significant damage throughout the municipality.
“At this time, we suggest that anyone who has experienced damage to their home or property to work with their insurance provider to recover the cost of repairs,” the Municipality shared in a June 29 news release, adding that assistance may become available through Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) if it is determined that the area is eligible.
Some key points for eligibility include:
- Residents must go through their private insurance first.
- Only costs over and above private insurance may be eligible for DRAO funding, including a $500 deductible.
- The decision to activate the DRAO program (or not) from the Ministers office is forthcoming as damages are assessed and become more evident.
- The program assists with main residential essential needs. Things like boats, docks, cottages and recreation homes are not eligible.
The Municipality asks residents to note that, “eligibility for the DRAO has NOT been determined and home owners should NOT try applying for relief at this time.”
To help determine eligibility, the Municipality has released a survey for local residents who have experienced damages and loss, due to the storm.
The Municipality shared that, “This survey will be used solely to help determine what options for assistance may be available. We encourage everyone who experienced storm damage to take part in this online survey by Friday, July 23, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. by visiting https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SLKTstormJune2021.”
The Municipality will also be exploring eligibility for the Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance (MDRA). The Municipality shared that the MDRA program helps municipalities recover from extraordinary costs after a natural disaster.
The MDRA program requires:
- The Municipality must first go through its private insurance.
- Costs must meet 3% of the municipalitys Own Purpose Taxation, which is $290,513 (based on Sioux Lookouts 2019 financial indicator report).
- The municipality must provide a Council resolution confirming their intention to apply for MDRA funding within 120 calendar days of June 23, 2021.
- All costs (staffing, equipment rentals, etc.) continue to be monitored.
“The Municipality of Sioux Lookout thanks everyone for their cooperation and will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available,” the Municipality advised.
