There is good news for local residents impacted by the flooding from the major storm that hit Aug. 8.
North Battleford has been designated an eligible assistance area under the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program.
“This allows residents who experienced damage to apply for assistance,” said city communications coordinator Robert Overlander.
The city had approved the application to the province at their most recent August council meeting. The storm had been a one-in-25 year rain event with damage estimated at $450,000, and city officials were confident residents would be eligible for assistance.
Now that the city has been designated as eligible, residents can now start filling out applications.
Overlander says residents whose homes were damaged should document the damages as much as possible, take pictures, save invoices, and save receipts or other proof of payments. Residents should also determine the extent of their insurance coverage and whether the flood damage is covered by insurance.
Businesses that experienced flood damage might also be eligible for assistance, and those businesses should contact PDAP for more information toll free at 1-866-632-4033
Residents can pick up the application form by going to City Hall where it will be available. It should be noted the flood damage covered by PDAP will mainly be of the interior variety.
“PDAP is also very clear …that gardens, lands and landscaping are not considered eligible under PDAP,” said Overlander.
According to the news release issued by the city, property owners are urged to take measures to protect their property by ensuring the ground slopes away from structures, that there are window wells for the basement, that eavestroughs lead away from the foundation, and there are retaining walls or landscaped berms.
As well, the city states assistance may be available through the Flood Damage Reduction Program from the Water Security Agency (www.wsask.ca), which aids with the implementation of emergency flood protection measures for communities with imminent risk of flooding.
For details, contact their office, or their website at https://www.wsask.ca/Water-Programs/Flood-Prevention/Emergency-Flood-Damage-Reduction-Program/ .
