NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release 2007PSSG0075-001583 Dec. 5, 2007	Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR FLOODING APPROVED

VICTORIA – In response to flooding in various parts of the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island from Dec. 2 to 5, the provincial government is approving financial assistance for uninsurable property damages under the Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) program.

 

“The combination of heavy snowfalls followed by a pineapple express caused serious flooding, resulting in damage to a number of homes, businesses and infrastructure in various communities,” said John Les, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “To help local governments, businesses and individuals with recovery efforts, we are making Disaster Financial Assistance available to those who are eligible.”

 

Disaster Financial Assistance is authorized for the following areas:

 

Lower Mainland

• Squamish/Lillooet Regional District
• Metro Vancouver Regional District (Electoral Area A)
• City of Richmond
• City of Surrey
• City of Coquitlam
• District of Maple Ridge
• District of Mission
• Fraser Valley Regional District (Boston Bar)

 

Vancouver Island/Gulf Islands

• Comox-Strathcona Regional District
• (Electoral Areas G and H)
• Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District
• Regional District of Nanaimo (Electoral Area A)
• Cowichan Valley Regional District
• Capital Regional District (Salt Spring Electoral Area)

 

            As local governments complete damage assessments in their communities, Disaster Financial Assistance may be authorized for further areas.

 

The DFA program helps eligible homeowners, residential tenants, farms, small businesses and charitable organizations when property is damaged by uninsurable disasters, which may include certain floods and mudslides. The program covers up to 80 per cent of an accepted claim over $1,000, to a maximum of $300,000. In 2005, the government raised the disaster funding assistance limit for eligible claimants from $100,000 to $300,000.

           

            Before applying for Disaster Financial Assistance, individuals should check with their insurer to find out if their insurance will cover the damages.

 

            Applicants for Disaster Financial Assistance have 90 days to file an application after the assistance is authorized. Applications for this event must be received by March 3, 2008. DFA application forms and more information about the program are available at www.pep.bc.ca or by calling toll-free 1-888-257-4777.

 

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Media contact:	Glen Plummer Communications Manager Provincial Emergency Program 250 952-4846
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