On Oct. 31, 2019, Fort Erie experienced unprecedented and extraordinary weather events including high winds, rain and flooding. Following the weather events, Town Staff estimated over $1 million worth of damages.

During Monday night’s Regular Council Meeting, Council approved a resolution from the Town’s Treasurer to request the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) to activate the Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance (MDRA) program in Fort Erie based on the weather events that occurred on Oct. 31. The resolution is one of the components required by the MMAH to be considered for the MDRA program.

The MDRA is a provincial program that helps municipalities recover from extraordinary costs after a natural disaster. Over the next five to six weeks, Town Staff will be finalizing its application for the MDRA program and will be submitting it to the MMAH before the 120 day submission timeline.

The Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians program is a separate provincial disaster recovery program for individuals. The province may activate the program in the event of a sudden, unexpected, extraordinary natural disaster that causes costly and widespread damage to essential property. When activated, the program helps people in the activation area with costs for emergency expenses and repairs needed to return homes to a safe and habitable condition.

The program is not intended to replace insurance and does not provide assistance in all cases of property damage. Landscaping, retaining walls and break walls are ineligible. The province is assessing the impacts of the Oct. 31 storm. Applications will be accepted only if the program is activated. The Town will advise property owners if there is a decision to activate the program. For more information about the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians program, please call 1-844-780-8925 or email disasterassistance@ontario.ca.

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