The Manitoba government has launched a new aid program to assist homeowners affected by flooding, sparking a mix of relief and uncertainty among those impacted about the eligibility criteria.
Announced on Friday, the Manitoba Flood Recovery Program aims to offer one-time grants to homeowners and tenants lacking sufficient insurance coverage to address their damages. The financial aid provided will be determined based on either the assessed home value or the cost of the damages, whichever is lower, as stated by Christine Stevens, the director of the provincial Emergency Management Organization, during a joint news conference with Premier Wab Kinew.
Garth Killbery, whose Grosse Isle residence suffered damages estimated between $250,000 and $350,000, expressed gratitude for the program. His insurance only covers $25,000 for sewer backup, forcing him, along with his family, to seek refuge with friends and relatives. Killbery sees the assistance as a relief, acknowledging the government’s support in helping them rebuild their lives.
However, there are concerns among some affected individuals as not everyone impacted by the floods may meet the program’s eligibility requirements. Shawnalee Semchyshyn, who had to be evacuated from her flooded home on June 30, highlighted the omission of the municipality of Ethelbert from the list of eligible areas for the recovery initiative.
The program extends aid to residents in various municipalities in western Manitoba, including Mountain, Minitonas-Bowsman, Swan Valley West, Roblin, Duck Mountain, Swan River, and Camperville, affected by flooding from June 6-8 and June 28-July 1. In the Interlake and eastern regions, assistance is available to residents in Rosser, Rockwood, Woodlands, St. François Xavier, St. Andrews, Stonewall, Teulon, Winnipeg Beach, and Dunnottar, impacted by floods between June 9-10 and June 28-July 1.
Semchyshyn questioned the selection process for eligibility, emphasizing the widespread impact on the community due to the severe flooding that rendered many roads impassable. She expressed concern for the absence of Dauphin, which lost its major hospital to the floods, from the list of eligible areas.
Residents like James Price from Dauphin are hopeful that their exclusion from the program is temporary. Price emphasized the importance of receiving support following significant losses caused by the flooding, urging insurance companies not to undermine affected individuals. The provincial government assured that communities like Dauphin and Ethelbert are eligible for Disaster Financial Assistance and promised additional details on support from the Manitoba Flood Recovery Program.
Price, Semchyshyn, and Killbery have applied for the existing Disaster Financial Assistance program and anticipate further aid to reconstruct their homes. They stressed the emotional attachment to their residences, emphasizing the importance of rebuilding and safeguarding their cherished family spaces.