THUNDER BAY – Recovery efforts in Thunder Bay continue. Acting Mayor Rebecca Johnson is reminding anyone affected by the flood who did not attend Saturday’s public meetings that the Disaster Relief forms are now available on the City’s website (www.thunderbay.ca/flood) and at the Clerks desk in the lobby of City Hall.
“It’s very important that residents who don’t have insurance, or have inadequate coverage fill out these forms as accurately as they can, providing as much documentation as possible, and that they drop off the forms before the deadlines,” Acting Mayor Johnson said.
Form details and 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 Assistance Program.
• Water Credit – Sept. 30, 2012: Users of the City’s sanitary sewer system can receive a $207 credit while non-users of the sanitary sewer system can receive a $118 credit.
Approximately 700 people attended Saturday’s public meetings to learn more about the disaster relief program, pick up forms and have questions answered. A report will be presented to Council tonight with a go-forward strategy on the development of a master storm drainage study.
Safe Home Clean-up Program: Residents in need of clean-up assistance are reminded that the Safe Home Clean-up Program is still available to help with flood-damaged basements. More than 520 homeowners have registered for clean-up assistance through the Safe Home clean-up program through the City’s Facilities & Fleet Department, working with contractors.
Initial contact has been made with all homes. The focus of the ongoing clean-up is on making homes safe and to address health issues. “There are still homes needing assistance as of today,” said Michael Smith, General Manager – Facilities and Fleet. “We visited several homes throughout the weekend and continue to help those still requiring assistance.”
Infrastructure: Roads, bridges and trails are in good shape after last week’s rain, said Darrell Matson, General Manager – Infrastructure & Operations. Repairs to damaged areas continue at the Atlantic Avenue Water Pollution Control Plant, a process that will be ongoing for many months.
Solid Waste: Solid waste collection has returned to the regular schedule this week. The Mapleward Road Solid Waste & Recycling Facility returns to a six-day schedule, open from Monday to Saturday. Flood vouchers are still being accepted at the Solid Waste & Recycling Facility. To assist residents and businesses affected by the flood, the City of Thunder Bay will continue the special free of charge large rubbish collection.
Disaster Relief Committee: Following Saturday’s public meetings, the Disaster Relief Committee is moving forward with regular meetings and will begin addressing the disaster relief process. Donations to the Thunder Bay 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.
Only donations to the Disaster Relief Committee Fund will be matched by the Province. City Clerk John Hannam reminds residents affected by the flood that the claims process will take some time.