The provincial government of Ontario has activated the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program to help the tornado-stricken residents of Barrie.
Some 70 homes were deemed uninhabitable after an EF-2 tornado tore through Barrie on June 15, with wind speeds of 210 km/h. The twister managed to cut a path of damage five kilometres wide and 100 metres long. Apart from the 70 homes rendered uninhabitable by the tornado, over 200 more were damaged.
The DRAO will help residents with essential costs that are not covered by insurance. It will assist with any emergency expenses, as well as the costs to repair or replace essential property following a natural disaster for a primary residence and its contents, a small business, farm, or a rural non-profit.
“Our government stands with the city of Barrie and the families and businesses impacted by this natural disaster,” said Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark.
CTV News reported that residents with no insurance coverage or insufficient coverage for essential costs have until November 26, 2021 to apply for the DRAO. More information on the program is available through the provincial government’s website.
