FLOOD 2011: BUILDING AND RECOVERY ACTION PLAN

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Lake Manitoba Financial Assistance Program

The Manitoba government’s Flood 2011: Building and Recovery Action Plan is providing immediate and long-term assistance for Manitoba families, producers and communities following unprecedented 2011 flooding along the Assiniboine River and Lake Manitoba.

The Lake Manitoba Financial Assistance Program is for families, businesses and non-profit organizations in the flood inundation zone around the lake. It will assist with the costs of property damage and flood-protection efforts taken as a result of high water levels on Lake Manitoba.

Special Program for Lake Manitoba Cottages and Permanent Residences

Due to above-capacity flows from the Portage Diversion this spring, the Manitoba government will provide 90 per cent of actual incurred costs from flood damage or flood-protection measures taken on an emergency basis up to $90,000 for damages to the structure for cottages and up to $200,000 for damages to the structure and basic and essential contents for permanent residences. Property owners who commit to flood mitigation for their property now and in the future will have their 10 per cent co-payment waived. All applicants will be personally contacted by Manitoba government staff. Residents are encouraged to take photos of all work undertaken, keep receipts for expenses and other evidence and documentation to verify the amount of losses.

Program Coverage

Flood Protection Measures

  • Gross wages up to $20 an hour lost as a result of protecting property from flood damage and the subsequent cleanup.
  • Actual expenses incurred to protect property from flood damage on an emergency basis, up to $10,000.
  • Reasonable expenses for cleaning up and removing temporary flood-protection structures.

Flood Damage

For year-round homes or principal residences, costs will be covered for:

  • Restoring residences, buildings and infrastructure to pre-flood conditions, up to fair market value.
  • Living costs as a result of evacuation.

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  • Costs of damage to basic and essential contents.
  • Costs of debris cleanup.

For cottages or seasonal dwellings, costs will be covered for damages to the structure only.

Amounts received through other government and non-government sources to cover losses may be deducted from program payments. Advance payments for flood-mitigation measures or property damage may be made. Other costs such as hiring third-parties to clean up debris or renting equipment may also qualify.

A special unit within the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation in Portage la Prairie will manage the delivery of these programs using existing expertise to process claims, and an independent process to handle any appeals. For more information call 1-855-220-1822, e-mail or visit the flood website at