The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) administers the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians program (DRAO). The program helps reimburse disaster related costs such as those associated with repairing, restoring and cleaning primary residences, and repairing or replacing essential property (e.g. furnaces, stoves, refrigerators, etc.).
The program is not a replacement for insurance and does not cover all costs. For example, costs associated with soil erosion, shoreline protection (e.g. break walls), decks, docks, etc. are not covered under the program. DRAO is designed to ‘help people get back on their feet’.
DRAO may be activated by the Minister of MMAH, within a defined boundary, when there is evidence that a sudden, unexpected, extraordinary natural event (e.g. tornado, severe flooding, etc.) has caused costly, widespread damage to program eligible private property (e.g. primary residence, furnace, stove, etc.).
MMAH works closely with municipalities to determine the scope and impact of a significant natural event. If needed, they may deploy a Provincial Disaster Assessment Team (PDAT) to collect additional information.
Residents are encouraged to report storm-related damage to the office of MPP Toby Barrett, at [email protected] or by phone at 519-428-0446.
Note that, if activated, the DRAO program will only cover primary residences and businesses. It does not cover seasonal residences.
