(4).jpg)
The Ontario government has activated its disaster recovery program to help residents of the municipality of Muskoka Lakes, as flood water begins to recede in the region.
The Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program allows eligible homeowners, small business owners, small farms, and even non-profits to recover some costs following a major disaster, such as flooding. The program can provide up to $250,000 per application, and is subject to a $500 deductible, which could be waived for low-income households.
DRAO is not intended to replace insurance coverage, the provincial government reminded, adding that insurance payments are deducted from eligible costs.
The program has already been activated for other Ontarian communities, such as the towns of Bracebridge and Huntsville, which were caught in the recent spring flooding.
Global News reported that although water levels at the nearby Muskoka Lakes continue to decline, Transportation Canada’s navigation restrictions still apply for Lake Muskoka, the Moon River, and the north and south branches of the Muskoka River. Homeowners who can only access their property by boat are exempt from the restrictions.
Muskoka Lakes remains in a state of emergency due to the flooding.
