Disaster Recovery Assistance Available for April 2026 Flooding in Minden Hills

For Immediate Release                                                               

Minden, ON
September 18, 2026|
2:30 PM
Release # 26-86 

Subject: Disaster Recovery Assistance Available for April 2026 Flooding in Minden Hills 

The Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program has been activated by the province for certain areas in the Township of Minden Hills affected by flooding in April 2026.

Eligible private property owners may apply for assistance if they reside within the activation area, sustained damage as a result of flooding from lakes, rivers and creeks, and do not have insurance coverage for the damage or have insurance that is insufficient to cover eligible essential recovery costs. Please review the DRAO website to see if your property is in the activation area.

The purpose of the DRAO program is to return essential property to a basic level, make homes safe and habitable, and allow people to resume their livelihoods. The program is not intended to replace insurance and does not cover all costs.

Damage to secondary residences such as a cottage or other recreational property is ineligible. Damage from sewer backup is also not generally eligible under the program. Sewer backup is water that comes up through floor drains or other connections to the sewer system. Insurance for sewer backup is commonly available for purchase as part of homeowners’ insurance policies. An exception is made for low-income households as defined by the guidelines. See details online.  

In addition, damage to basements and crawl spaces is eligible only to the extent required to return these areas to a safe, basic state. For example, financial assistance can be provided for clean-up, restoration of insulation/vapour barrier, and replacement of essentials like furnaces and hot water heaters. The costs to restore basement finishes (drywall, flooring, etc.) and furnishings are not eligible.

The deadline to apply for the program is January 18, 2027. Guidelines and application forms are available on the DRAO website.

Those affected by flooding are encouraged to contact their insurance provider to determine whether their damage is covered by insurance, prior to applying for the DRAO program.

Any questions about the DRAO program can be sent to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing at: DisasterAssistance@Ontario.ca or by phone at 1-877-822-0116. 

Documents:

·       The Provincial News Bulletin announcing the program for areas in the Township of Minden Hills

·       Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians – Frequently Asked Questions

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Contact Information:

Township of Minden Hills
PO Box 359, 7 Milne Street
Minden, ON  K0M 2K0