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Based on a preliminary assessment of damages, up to $1.5 million will be made available for a Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) Program for the city of Selkirk and the rural municipalities of St. Clements and St. Andrews affected by ice-jam flooding earlier this month, Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Steve Ashton, minister responsible for the Emergency Measures Organization, announced today.

 

“The ice jamming that caused the high water in the Selkirk area was the worst on record, surpassing 1996 and 1997,” said Ashton. “The city, municipalities and province worked very well together in responding to this unprecedented ice jam and the problems it caused.”

 

Peak water levels at Selkirk exceeded the previous record highs caused by ice jams in 1996.  High levels continued for an entire week at Selkirk, which is far above the usual one-day duration of ice- jam flooding.

 

DFA is generally available for evacuation costs, costs to prevent or limit imminent damage and for non-insurable damage to essential property such as principle residences and buildings essential to the operation of eligible farms and small businesses. Losses where insurance was widely available at a reasonable cost, such as sewer backup flooding, are not eligible for assistance.

 

Application forms and further details about the program are available online at http://www.manitobaemo.ca or by contacting the Emergency Measures Organization at
204-945-3050 or toll-free 1-888-267-8298.  Applications are also available at most municipal offices.

 

The total cost of this program may not reach the minimum threshold for federal cost sharing required under the national Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements. However, the Government of Canada will be advised of Manitoba’s decision to provide disaster financial assistance in case actual costs exceed the current estimate.