Hamilton City Council has declared the rainstorm that hit the region a “disaster”- and this means flooded residents can now apply for compassionate grants.

The weather event last week dropped between 50 and 75 mm of rain – more than the total amount the area receives in an average spring month.

Learn more about overland flooding insurance here.

Grants of up to $1,000 will be handed out to residents under the municipal disaster relief assistance program, The Hamilton Spectator reported.

Flooding hit the area where Sydenham Creek approaches Cootes Drive and King Street East the hardest, but other communities, such as Stoney Creek, the east end and the West Mountain, also reported flood issues.

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Hamilton’s risk management experts are anticipating less than 100 applications based on basement flooding data received, department head John McLennan explained.

“That’s surprisingly low given the extremely unusual and intense rainstorm,” McLennan commented.

Not all residents will be eligible to claim the grant. Homeowners covered by insurance could instead apply to have their deductibles covered by the program.

Homeowners not covered for sewage backup or overland flooding, however, could apply for more help.

The municipality will employ an adjuster to evaluate the grant applications before the payout is made.


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