Disaster relief claims can still be filed

Ken Johnston
Editorial@RainyRiverRecord.com

When disaster strikes it costs money. To deal with the costs involved in the July 31, 2001 flooding and tornados that decimated the west Rainy River District, the province has a program called ODRAP (Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program).

Area councils scrambled to gather cost information for the area after the disaster occurred. Councillors and the mayor in Rainy River even went door to door to pass out damage assessment surveys. All the information had to be into the Minister of Municipal Affairs within 14 days of the disaster.

The minister then reviewed the data and decided two weeks ago to declare the region a Disaster Area. At the minister’s discretion it was decided that the normal procedure of the communities having to raise money to receive government assistance be waived. Based on the vast damage sustained in the area and the financial strain it placed on communities and their citizens the minister made the decision to alter the funding formula.

Many people have asked if they can still file damage claims. In fact, Rob Anderson, a Municipal Advisor with Municipal Affairs in Thunder Bay, said that no claims have been filed yet. Despite some people’s belief that the surveys they filled out in early August were just that, Anderson said that was simply an information gathering stage to see if the area would qualify for ODRAP funding.

Since it did, the next step is the establishment of Disaster Relief Committee; which is currently underway. The area elected to go with a regional DRC rather than have every town doing their own thing. In Rainy River the local representative is Ken Moore.

Once the committee is established they will have to elect a chair, a secretary/treasurer, open a bank account and file for charitable status with Revenue Canada. Anderson is hoping that the DRC will hold its first meeting in the next two weeks.

Then the formal claim’s process will begin and the committee will begin through ads in papers to solicit any claims people might have. Any claims over $500 in value will have to be evaluated by an adjuster; the costs of which will be paid by ODRAP.

Private homeowner costs will be payable up to 90% of the cost to restore the damage.

Eligible losses and costs are as follows:

•Restoration, repairs, or replacement to pre-disaster condition of principal year-round residence, farm buildings and principal business enterprise building

•Essential furnishing of a private residence including refrigerator, freezer, furnace, stove, clothes washer and dryer

•Tools or other items essential to the claimant’s livelihood, including farm machinery and equipment

•For Farms, replacement cost of only orchard trees

•For business enterprises, replacement of inventory at cost

•Livestock fencing

•Restoration, repair, or replacement to pre-disaster condition of churches, cemeteries, private schools, private clubs and other associations

•Emergency expenses (e.g. evacuation costs, food and shelter, essential clothing)

•Perishable food

•Heat and light supplies (e.g. fuel for light and heat, heaters)

Ineligible Losses and Costs

•Losses covered by insurance

•Insurance deductible

•Secondary residences (e.g. cottages)

•Non-essential furniture (e.g. stereos, rec. room furniture)

•Landscaping, fencing, driveways and retaining walls

•Recreational vehicles (e.g. boats, snowmobiles)

•Antiques and collections

•Loss of revenue or wages

•Losses recoverable at law

While some people had insurance to cover the cost of essential furnishings like washers, dryers and furnaces, a number of local people did not. Despite they did not have the insurance, Anderson said that if they sustained damage or loss of them they could very well be covered up to 90% of the damage costs. He did however stress that ODRAP is not ment to replace private insurance. The ODRAP manual says, “Individuals have a responsibility to take reasonable precautions to ensure their own safety and protection, including their property.”

Once claims are collected by the DRC they will then be submitted to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs for consideration. Anderson hopes they entire procedure will be wrapped up within six months.