City Seeks Disaster Relief

The City has passed a resolution to request a disaster declaration for Sault Ste. Marie in response to the damage caused to the area in the heavy rainfall that occurred on Monday, September 9th.

The flooding that followed the rainfall resulted in extensive damage to municipal property and infrastructure, as well as a number of private homes.

The Council has asked that the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to declare the City of Sault Ste. Marie a "disaster area" for the purposes of the Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program.

The ODRAP provides financial assistance to declared disaster areas to restore damaged public infrastructure and/or private property to pre-disaster condition, when the cost of restoration exceeds the financial capacity of those affected, including individuals and the municipality.

The next step is for Council to submit a municipal disaster information report, including the extent of damage suffered and expenses incurred, in order for the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to accept the disaster declaration.