Flood victims can apply for grants after ‘disaster’

City council declaration allows residents waterlogged by deluge April 20 to apply for grants up to $1,000

Council has formally declared the April 20 rainstorm a “disaster” to allow flooded residents to apply for compassionate grants.

The declaration means residents affected by the flooding may be eligible to apply for grants of up to $1,000 under the municipal disaster relief assistance program.

Coun. Arlene VanderBeek, who represents the Dundas ward hardest hit by the rainstorm, moved the motion to kick-start the grant program.

The storm dropped between 50 and 75 millimetres of rain on parts of Hamilton April 20, more than the total amount expected in an average spring month.

Much of the worst flooding occurred near the area where Sydenham Creek approaches Cootes Drive and King Street East, but other problems were reported in Stoney Creek, the east end and the west Mountain.

Even still, the city’s risk management experts are expecting fewer than 100 applications based on basement flooding reported to the city, said department head John McLennan.

“That’s surprisingly low given the extremely unusual and intense rainstorm,” he said.

Not all flood victims would be eligible for the maximum $1,000 grant.

For example, a homeowner covered by insurance could apply to have his or her deductible covered.

On the other hand, homeowners not covered for sewage backup or overland flooding — a rare type of insurance coverage — could apply for more help.

The city will hire an adjuster to evaluate the applications before money is handed over.

Some flooded residents have questioned the role of a blocked city storm sewer outlet in the Dundas flooding.

But the disaster relief program specifies the compassionate grants do not equate to an admission of responsibility by the city for any damages.

The city will advertise the program and specific eligibility requirements in the coming days, McLennan said.

Residents will have up to 120 days to apply.