Ontario Providing Financial Assistance for Communities Affected by Widespread Flooding

Table of Contents

1. Content
2. Quick Facts
3. Quotes
4. Additional Resources
5. Related Topics
6. Media Contacts

The Ontario government is providing financial assistance for communities affected by recent flooding from lakes, rivers and creeks. Residents, small businesses, farms and not-for-profit organizations in certain areas of Ottawa, Armour, Burk's Falls, French River, Sudbury, Orillia, Ramara and Kawartha Lakes can apply to the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians program for damage caused by the flooding that is not covered by insurance.

"We know that floods can have a devastating effect on residents, businesses and communities. That's why we're taking action to ensure that those impacted do not have to bear the unexpected costs of recovery alone," said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. "Our government made a promise to protect Ontario and providing support in times of natural disasters is one way we are translating that commitment into action."

On July 1, 2026, more than 150 millimeters of rain fell in parts of the City of Ottawa. Graham Creek and Stillwater Creek overflowed their banks, leading to overland flooding that caused damage to homes in the area.

In April 2026, snowmelt, saturated ground and repeated rainfall caused rivers, creeks and lakes to overflow, resulting in widespread flooding across areas in northeastern, central and eastern Ontario.

"Our government is committed to supporting residents before, during and after emergencies, so they can rebuild, recover and move forward," said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response. "I want to thank everyone involved in response efforts, including first responders, municipal staff and Ontario Corps partners and volunteers who went above and beyond to help communities impacted by recent flooding events."

The disaster assistance program applies to a primary residence and its basic contents, or to a small business, farm or not-for-profit organization. Eligible applicants can receive financial assistance for emergency expenses including:

• clean up expenses
• costs to repair or replace essential property
• basic emergency expenses like evacuation costs.

For more information on eligibility, visit ontario.ca/DisasterAssistance for program guidelines. The application deadline is November 16, 2026.

Quick Facts

Quotes

"Activating the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program in Ottawa will provide support to residents and communities as they recover from this disaster. Our government is committed to helping those affected rebuild and recover by ensuring eligible homeowners, small businesses, farmers, and not-for-profit organizations have access to the assistance they need during this challenging time."

- George Darouze
MPP for Carleton

"Spring flooding caused significant hardship for many families, businesses and property owners in Kawartha Lakes and our government is committed to helping our communities recover. By activating the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians program, we are ensuring eligible residents can access financial support for costs they should not have to face alone. We will continue to stand with our communities as they rebuild and recover from these devastating floods."

- Laurie Scott
MPP for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock

"When serious disasters strike, it is reassuring to know that our government is there to provide support. Through the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians program, affected residents, small business, farms and not-for-profit organizations can access the help they need to recover and rebuild. I am grateful to our government for extending this important support to those affected in Burk's Falls and the Township of Armour."

- Graydon Smith
MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka

"Today's announcement is an important step for eligible Ottawa residents affected by the recent flooding. I appreciate the province moving forward with opening the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians program and I want to thank Premier Ford and Minister Flack for working with us after I raised the need to get this support in place as quickly as possible."

- Mark Sutcliffe
Mayor of Ottawa

"Many municipalities in the province are dealing more and more with unpredictable weather events. Winter snow and ice storms are becoming more frequent, spring flooding more extreme, and unpredictable events in summer are no longer unusual. Armour Township has faced all of these events in recent years and this has an obvious impact on our budgets, our services, our staff and, of course, our residents. On behalf of the Township of Armour we want to thank and acknowledge the efforts of the Ontario government and MMAH in providing Disaster Recovery Assistance to help us manage the impact of these events. We greatly appreciate the support!"

- Rod Ward
Mayor of Armour

"This year's flooding came very close to setting new records and took everyone by surprise with its suddenness and severity. Our local businesses and residents faced real hardship but took it all in stride and persevered through it all. It is very welcome news that MPP Smith and the Ontario government have recognized the need of our residents and are providing additional resources as part of helping them recover."

- Chris Hope
Mayor of Burk's Falls

"On behalf of the Municipality of French River, I would like to sincerely thank Minister Flack and the Government of Ontario for approving Disaster Recovery Assistance for our community following the unprecedented flooding we experienced in April. The devastation to many homes was heartbreaking, and several of our tourism businesses continue to face significant challenges as they recover. This funding will provide much-needed financial relief to affected residents and small businesses, helping them rebuild and move forward. We are truly grateful that our community has not been forgotten during this difficult time."

- Gisèle Pageau
Mayor of French River

"I want to thank the Ontario government for recognizing the significant impact this flooding had on our community and for activating the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians Program. This support will go a long way in supporting eligible residents, small businesses and organizations as they continue to recover and rebuild."

- Paul Lefebvre
Mayor of Greater Sudbury

"For the Orillia residents affected by the flooding in April, the impacts have been significant and the recovery process has not been easy. The activation of the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians program will provide meaningful financial relief to residents dealing with the impacts of the flooding. On behalf of the City of Orillia, I want to thank the Ontario government, the Honourable Rob Flack, and Simcoe North MPP the Honourable Jill Dunlop for once again stepping up to support our community when we need it most. This assistance will make a real difference for residents working to recover and move forward."

- Don McIsaac
Mayor of Orillia

"On behalf of Ramara, I would like to thank the Ontario government for recognizing the significant impacts this spring's flooding had on our community. The activation of the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians program is welcome news for Ramara and will provide important support and ease the financial burden for eligible property owners."

- Basil Clarke
Mayor of Ramara

"On behalf of Kawartha Lakes, we are grateful to the Ontario government for activating this Disaster Recovery Assistance Program. The flooding that has been experienced this year has been an added stressor for many of our residents, and for them to have the option to apply to this program will provide some much-needed relief. The Ministry is once again stepping up and their support is greatly appreciated."

- Doug Elmslie
Mayor of Kawartha Lakes

Additional Resources

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