Residents in Peace country whose home and property were damaged by floods and mudslides last month will be eligible for Disaster Financial Assistance.
On Tuesday B.C. Minister of Public Safety Shirley Bond announced residents of Chetwynd, Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, Taylor, Tumbler Ridge, Hudson's Hope and parts of the Peace River Regional District would be eligible to apply for the assistance.
"I know that many people have been profoundly affected by the flooding, and I want you to know that we are committed to helping you," Bond said in a written statement. "Our first priority is to ensure that we deal with these claims as expeditiously as possible so that those affected can get on with their lives."
Home owners, renters, farmers, small businesses, local governments and charitable organizations can apply for assistance to cover some of the costs of uninsurable damages - such as floods and mudslides.
The program covers up to 80 per cent of the costs in excess of $1,000 - up to a maximum of $300,000.
Peace River Regional District chairperson Karen Goodings said the announcement is a relief for many who would otherwise have to bear the full cost of repairs themselves.
"Most of the problems have been in regards to road washouts.[But] there are people who have called to say their basements have collapsed because of the pressure of the mud," Goodings said. "The damage has been quite extensive."
Goodings represents electoral area B in the regional district, which suffered some damage from the rains and flooding. However the area around Chetwynd suffered the worst damages.
"As far as crops and the agricultural side of it, I doubt there will be anything more than the usual crop insurance," she said.
For more information about how to apply for assistance, go online to www.pep.bc.ca or call 1-888-257-4777. The deadline to apply is Sept. 28.
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