THUNDER BAY – It is a solid step forward for those in the city who are struggling to get back on their feet after the flooding disaster in May. The 
for both groups to transfer their current donated funds, plus any additional funds raised, to the flood disaster relief efforts. The total donations that both agencies received to date is $660,000, which will now be part of the Thunder Bay & Area Disaster Relief Fund that will be matched up to 2:1 by the Province of Ontario.
“We know that there are a lot of citizens that need our help, and we have a lot of work ahead of us,” said Wayne Fletcher, Chair of the Disaster Relief Committee. “This is a huge boost to the Disaster Relief Fund.”
The committee is moving forward now with regular meetings to address the disaster relief process.
The committee’s first goal is to raise funds for disaster relief that will be matched by the Province of Ontario through the Disaster Relief Fund. The second goal is to receive, review and process claims from those affected by the flood who have no insurance or limited insurance.
Donations to the Thunder Bay & Area Disaster Relief Fund can be made at the Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre on River Street, the Canada Games Complex, Volunteer Pool, Churchill Pool and the Victoriaville Civic Centre Cashiers. The United Way of Thunder Bay, The Salvation Army and the Red Cross are also accepting donations for the Thunder Bay & Area Disaster Relief Fund.
Only donations to the Thunder Bay & Area Disaster Relief Fund will be matched by the Province.
Those affected by the flood who don’t have insurance or have inadequate insurance coverage can pick-up forms at City Hall, the Canada Games Complex, Churchill Pool, NorWest Community Health Centre, VictoriaVille Civic Centre and Oliver-Paipoonge and Conmee Municipal Offices. City Clerk John Hannam reminds residents affected by the flood that the claims process will take some time.
Deadlines include:
•Detailed Disaster Relief – Oct. 31, 2012: Assistance for losses and damages under the Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program.
•Advance Disaster Relief – July 9, 2012: Advance of $1,000 against any disaster assistance under the Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program.
•Water Credit – Sept. 30, 2012: Users of the City’s sanitary sewer system can receive a $207 credit on their water bill, while non-users of the sanitary sewer system can receive a $118 credit.
To download the forms, and for more information on donating and anything flood-related visit: www.thunderbay.ca/flood.