Assistance could be available for Thunder Bay area properties damaged by flood

The City of Thunder Bay says Ontario has notified the city and surrounding municipalities that the province has activated the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians program due to recent flooding.

The area was hit by almost 100 millimetres of rain during a storm in June.

The program allows affected individuals, small businesses, farmers and not-for-profit organizations who have experienced "essential property damage or loss," as a result of the floodwaters to apply to receive help with expenses, the city said in a press release issued Tuesday morning.

"I'd like to thank the province for stepping up and helping those people who have been affected by ongoing damage as a result of the recent flooding," Thunder Bay mayor Keith Hobbs was quoted as saying in the release.

"This program is designed to help people get back on their feet and cover the costs of cleaning, repairing and replacing essential property, so their lives can get back to normal."

The geographic area covered by the program, so far includes:

• City of Thunder Bay
• Township of Conmee
• Township of Gillies
• Township of O'Connor
• Municipality of Neebing
• Municipality of Oliver Paipoonge
• Municipality of Shuniah