The Manitoba government has initiated a new assistance program to aid homeowners affected by flooding, eliciting a mix of relief and uncertainty among those impacted regarding eligibility.
The Manitoba Flood Recovery Program, unveiled recently, will offer one-time grants to homeowners and tenants lacking sufficient insurance coverage to address their damages. The aid amount will be determined by the home’s assessed value or the damage cost, with the lesser of the two being considered, as shared by Christine Stevens, the director of the provincial Emergency Management Organization, during a news conference alongside Premier Wab Kinew.
Garth Killbery, facing estimated damages of $250,000 to $350,000 for his Grosse Isle residence, expressed gratitude for the program. Having only $25,000 coverage for sewer backup, Killbery and his family had to seek refuge with friends and relatives.
Nevertheless, not all flood-affected individuals may qualify for the program as it currently stands. Shawnalee Semchyshyn, rescued from her flooded home on June 30, found herself excluded from the recovery program due to residing in the municipality of Ethelbert, which was not included in the eligible list.
The program covers residents in various Manitoba regions impacted by specific flooding periods. While western Manitoba municipalities like Mountain, Minitonas-Bowsman, and others are eligible for flood incidents between June 6-8 and June 28-July 1, Interlake and eastern regions’ residents in municipalities like Rosser, Rockwood, and others are covered for events between June 9-10 and June 28-July 1. Semchyshyn questioned the selection criteria, emphasizing the widespread impact on the community.
Semchyshyn, working in the insurance sector, highlighted the lack of coverage for many residents and questioned the government’s decision, especially omitting Dauphin, where the main hospital remains closed due to flooding.
Residents like James Price, facing significant losses, hope for inclusion in the program, emphasizing the necessity for financial support to rebuild their homes. The government assured support for affected communities, with more details on additional aid under the Manitoba Flood Recovery Program to follow. Price, Semchyshyn, and Killbery have applied for the existing Disaster Financial Assistance program and anticipate further assistance in reconstructing their homes.