Disaster Recovery

2022 Hay River Flood FAQ

Contents

General Information on Disaster Assistance

How can I get help to understand Disaster Assistance or file a claim? 

Dealing with processes and paperwork after a disaster can be very stressful. The GNWT has Pathfinders who can guide individuals through GNWT processes related to disaster recovery. Pathfinders are available in person at the MACA office in the Hay River Courthouse or can be reached by phone or email at:

What is the Disaster Assistance Policy?

The GNWT Disaster Assistance Policy (DAP) is a government-funded assistance program that may be implemented after a widespread disaster to ensure essential community functioning and cover the essential basic needs of residents and businesses. Disaster assistance is limited to essential items, the loss of which was neither preventable nor insurable. It is not an insurance program to recover all losses, and it provides assistance to restore eligible items to pre-disaster condition only.
 

Who is responsible for paying for flood recovery?

Residents, small businesses (including non-profit organizations), and local authorities are expected to use their insurance first to cover the loss or damage of anything that is insurable.  The Disaster Assistance Policy (DAP) may help with eligible costs that are not covered by any other funding source to ensure that basic needs are met.  The DAP is not an insurance program to recover all losses; it is limited to essential items, the loss of which is neither preventable or insurable. 

How will I know if the Disaster Assistance Policy has been implemented?

The GNWT will announce when the Disaster Assistance Policy has been implemented.  This announcement will be communicated through regular print, radio, and social media channels.  You can also reach out to your local authority to determine if the Policy has been implemented. 

The Disaster Assistance Policy has been applied to the 2022 spring flood that occurred in Hay River and on the Kátł’odeeche First Nation Reserve.

How do I apply for Disaster Assistance?

After the Disaster Assistance Policy has been announced:

  1. Fill out a Registration Form and provide supporting documents listed in the form. The GNWT will let you know in writing if you are eligible to receive disaster assistance.
  2. If you are eligible, the GNWT will hire and pay a professional to go to your home, small business, or non-profit organization to complete a detailed damage assessment. Local authorities are responsible for assessing the damage and loss to their public infrastructure and equipment.
  3. The GNWT will provide you with a copy of your Damage Assessment Report, which will include an estimate of what it may cost for repairs and replacement of essential contents.  You will be responsible for either doing the repairs yourself, or contracting someone to complete the repairs.
  4. Once you have done all repair and restoration work, complete and submit a Disaster Assistance Claim Form.
  5. The GNWT will review your claim and provide you with the eligible amount of your disaster assistance in accordance with the Disaster Assistance Funding Policy and your file will be closed. 

When can people apply for Disaster Assistance?

Applicants can start the process after the GNWT has announced that it is applying the Disaster Assistance Policy in an area. Registration forms are provided to guide applicants through the eligibility and requirements to apply for disaster assistance.  It is important to register as soon as possible so the GNWT can begin facilitating the process, especially if the disaster has affected many people or an entire community / area. 


What is the deadline to register for Disaster Assistance for those affected by the 2022 flood in Hay River?

The deadline to register for disaster assistance, for those affected by the 2022 flood in Hay River, was August 10, 2022. Those who intended to apply for disaster assistance needed to be registered by the deadline to allow their disaster assistance claim to be processed once repairs are complete.

 

For more information, including Disaster Assistance forms, go to: https://www.maca.gov.nt.ca/en/services/flood-recovery   

 

What is reimbursed by Disaster Assistance?

 

Residents, small businesses, and non-profit organizations:

  • Preventative actions including:
    • Cleanup and disinfection that if not done would result in more damage
    • Urgent work that prevents further damage
  • Essential contents:
    • Residents – essential household items (e.g., furniture)
    • Small businesses or non-profit organizations – items, including inventory, essential to the operations of the business or organization

 

  • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Residents can claim a displacement allowance to assist with living expenses if they can’t return home or can stay in accommodations arranged by the GNWT.
  • Repairs or replacement of your home, small business or non-profit organization
  • Mitigation enhancements to prevent damage from future disasters

    Local authorities:
  • Emergency response operations
  • Assessment of damage and loss
  • Use of personnel and equipment owned by the local authority,
  • Preventative actions including:
    • Cleanup and disinfection that if not done would result in more damage
    • Urgent work that prevents further damage
  • Repair or replacement of public infrastructure and equipment
  • Road repairs
  • Mitigation enhancements to prevent damage for future disasters

 

See MACA Flood Recovery Resources for more guidance on eligible expenses.

What is not reimbursed by Disaster Assistance?

Disaster assistance is government-funded and only essentials are eligible for reimbursement.

Therefore, the following are not reimbursed by the program:

  • Insurance deductibles
  • Non-essential items like jewelry, cosmetics, art and decorative objects, Christmas decorations, recreational items, vehicles, swimming pools, sports equipment like hockey gear
  • Damage and deterioration that existed before the disaster happened
  • Damage to property outside the area where the Disaster Assistance Policy is applied
  • Damage that could have been prevented or insured at a reasonable cost
  • Damage or loss due to a normal risk of operation
  • Repairs to property that are above its basic and functional level like the cost for luxury finishes
  • Repairs to or replacement of a home that is not your primary residence like a cabin or secondary home
  • Residents only - Repairs or replacement of vehicles, snowmobiles, boat motors, argos, side-by-side or a quads
  • Any expenses covered by insurance, other programs, charity donations or recoverable through legal action
  • Loss of income while you were dealing with a disaster
  • Interest on loans
  • Landscaping that is decorative and not essential
  • Regular salary of public sector employees (local authorities only)

What is the maximum amount of assistance that can be received?

Residents, small businesses and non-profit organizations

  • For those in Hay River who have been impacted by the 2022 flood event with eligible claims under $240,000, ninety (90) percent of eligible expenses not paid by insurance or any other funding program.
  • For those in Hay River who have been impacted by the 2022 flood event with eligible claims over $240,000, 100% of eligible expenses for the first $240,000 and 50% of eligible expenses over $240,000 not paid by insurance or any other funding program, to a maximum of $600,000. 
  • Renters may only claim disaster assistance for Contents that they own.

Local authorities​​​​​​​

  • There is no maximum total amount for local authorities. They can receive up to 90 percent of eligible expenses and are expected to contribute an amount towards recovery costs that is equal to five percent of their operations and maintenance budget averaged over three years.

How long will it take to receive my final claim for Disaster Assistance?

Every effort will be made to review and approve claims within 30 days after they are received, but this is not guaranteed. It may take longer if your claim is missing information or supporting documents, or if there are any follow-up questions. Your claim will be paid within three to five business days after it is approved.


How do people start making repairs before getting assistance if they can’t afford it?

Residents and small businesses, including non-profit organizations, can get a one-time disaster assistance advance. This advance is deducted from the final disaster assistance claim.

Residents and Small Businesses (including non-profit organizations)

An advance of up to 50 percent of the value of damages as outlined in the detailed Damage Assessment Report may be provided, to a maximum of $300,000.

Residents and small business owners who are facing undue hardship where they are required to pay specific costs in advance, are unable to access other financing and have no other options should contact the Pathfinders for direct assistance with their unique situations.

 

Local Authorities

An advance of up to 50 percent of the value of damage in a preliminary assessment, up to a maximum of 5 percent of the Operations and Maintenance Budget averaged over three years.

 

How do I apply for an advance?

After you receive your detailed Damage Assessment Report, you can request an advance. Complete the Disaster Assistance Advance Payment Request Form to apply.

GNWT Pathfinders can assist residents with the application process. To reach out to a Pathfinder, visit the MACA office located at the Courthouse in Hay River or contact: (867) 874-2193 or flood@gov.nt.ca.

 

Will the GNWT issue any payments between the advance and the final payment?

Individuals may apply for an advance of up to 50% of the estimated cost of repairs to the building and replacement of contents as outlined in their Damage Assessment Report.

After building repairs are completed and essential home contents are replaced, a final claim with receipts and documentation must be submitted. The final claim is assessed for eligibility, and disaster assistance is provided for eligible costs, with any amount provided as an advance deducted from the final claim.   

In most cases, this is the only advance that will be provided prior to the final claim for eligible disaster assistance. Residents and small business owners who are facing undue hardship where they are required to pay specific costs in advance, are unable to access other financing and have no other options should contact the Pathfinders for direct assistance with their unique situations.

 

Will the GNWT provide any assurance letters to banks or other lenders about additional funding coming in a final claim?

No. The GNWT is not providing any documents or assurances for use by banks or lenders regarding future financial assistance.  This is because eligibility for disaster assistance must be determined; it is not guaranteed.

 

Is Disaster Assistance subject to income tax?

No. Disaster assistance is not considered income and is not subject to income tax.

 

What if applicants disagree with a final claim amount?

Applicants can appeal by writing to the Deputy Minister of MACA within 30 days of the decision on a final claim:

 

Deputy Minister

Municipal and Community Affairs

600, 5201 - 50th Ave

Yellowknife, NT X1A 3S9

Or by email: flood@gov.nt.ca

 

  • Appeals are accepted if a mistake was made and/or if information you provided (receipts, photos, support documents, etc.) was not considered.
  • Appeals are not accepted if they deal with the Disaster Assistance Policy, the Disaster Assistance Funding Policy, or any associated guidelines. 
  • Appeal decisions are final and will be sent to you in writing, explaining how and why the appeal decision was made.

 

Accommodations

 

Will I be reimbursed for my costs for evacuation?

Claims for evacuation costs can be considered in some limited circumstances.

The emergency management system relies on cooperation and participation at the individual, community, and territorial level. Residents are responsible for their property and to develop household emergency plans. If individuals are required to evacuate and do not have the capacity to evacuate and/or make accommodations arrangements, the first level of support is the community government.

Through the Regional Emergency Management Organization (EMO), the GNWT and its partners are here to support community governments in their efforts. All levels - individual, community and territorial - have a responsibility for emergency management and this includes costs.

The GNWT provides for the costs of the activities coordinated by the regional and territorial EMOs in support of a community government, but does not provide reimbursement to individuals who self-evacuated using their own means.

Please review the NWT Disaster Financial Assistance Handbook for Residents for more information and contact a Pathfinder to discuss this matter and your circumstances prior to making a claim.

 

What supports are available if I am displaced from my home past the evacuation period?

There are two options for displaced individuals:

  1. Arrange for accommodations elsewhere on your own and apply for displacement allowance.
  2. Request to be placed in long-term accommodations by the GNWT; this could include a hotel room or a B&B.

How does displacement allowance work?

There may be a period after evacuation centres have been stood down but you are unable to go back to your home.  Displacement allowance is paid for a maximum of six (6) months if you are out of your home for 10 days or more in a given month.  Extensions may be provided on a case-by-case basis.  

 

Displacement allowance amounts are based on family size based on the information in your registration form as follows:

  • $500/month - household of 1
  • $1,000/month - household of 2-5
  • $1,500/month - household of 6 or more

 

These costs are not eligible if:

  • You were able to return to your home, or
  • You are asked to leave an accommodation (e.g., hotel or evacuation centre), provided by the GNWT, for being disrespectful to their staff, other occupants, or damaging their property.

 

You are required to register for disaster assistance to access this support. To find out more about applying for displacement allowance, please consult the MACA Flood Recovery Resources or speak to a Pathfinder at flood@gov.nt.ca or (867) 874-2193.

 

How can the GNWT help with long-term accommodations if I am displaced from my home?

 

If you can’t return to your home or find your own accommodations for the period you are displaced, the GNWT may be able to help provide accommodations. Please contact a Pathfinder for assistance by visiting the MACA office located at the Courthouse in Hay River or contacting flood@gov.nt.ca or (867) 874-2193 to initiate the process. You are required to register for disaster assistance to access this support.

 

Eligibility

 

Who is eligible for Disaster Assistance?

 

Applicants can apply for disaster assistance if the Disaster Assistance Policy has been applied to a specific disaster and insurance coverage wasn’t available or if available was unaffordable or the costs exceed what insurance covers. 

 

Eligibility is in three areas, as follows:

  • Residents in the affected area with costs resulting from damages caused by the disaster valued at more than $1,000.  
  • Small businesses in the affected area:
    • Damages caused by the disaster must be valued at more than $5,000
    • Business must be owner-operated
    • Annual revenue between $10,000 and $2 million
    • No more than the equivalent of 20 full-time employees.
  • Non-profit organizations in the affected area are also eligible in the small business category if:
    • Damages caused by the disaster must be valued at more than $5,000.
    • Must deliver an essential service (e.g.: food, shelter, addictions programming, or support for families experiencing family violence, etc.)
    • Registered and in good standing with the requirements of the Societies Act.
  • Local authorities (community governments) in the affected area:
    • Damages caused by the disaster must be valued at more than five per cent of the operations and maintenance budget averaged over three years, as per audited financial statements. 

 

Applicants need to provide documentation to show eligibility in all categories. 

 

Can people get Disaster Assistance if they have insurance?

 

Yes. Disaster assistance can pay for expenses not covered by your insurance. However, it is a good idea to talk to an insurance provider to discuss coverage and explore options to reduce financial stress after a disaster.  If you do not have insurance, the Insurance Bureau of Canada’s Consumer Information line can also help you understand the options that are available: 1-844-227-5422.

 

Who qualifies as a low-income household?

 

Low-income households are those with an annual income equal to or lower than the most recent Northern Market Basket Measure Thresholds by Family Size from the NWT Bureau of Statistics.  If you are unsure if you fit in this category, please contact your Pathfinder. 

 

How is Disaster Assistance different for those living on a First Nation Reserve?

 

The Government of Canada helps communities on reserve access emergency assistance through its Emergency Management Assistance Program. The GNWT coordinates flood recovery for First Nation Reserves in the NWT with the Federal Government through Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and Indigenous Services Canada.

 

The process for residents, businesses and First Nation governments on reserve to register for disaster assistance is the same, but the process for building repairs and funding provided may differ.

 

What documentation is required as proof of ownership of a property on the KFN Reserve

 

Each registered applicant must provide documents that show proof of ownership as well as proof of occupation when filing a claim for disaster assistance.

 

If you are a homeowner, you must have legal land tenure (e.g., lease, land title or ownership) or have written permission from your local authority, e.g., a Band Council Resolution (BCR) to occupy the land where the home is located.

 

On the Kátł’odeeche First Nation reserve, the equivalent of a registered Certificate of Title is a BCR. If a BCR is not readily available, a letter signed by the Chief or the CEO confirming the full names and addresses of the owners, stating a BCR is on file will suffice.

If you are a tenant, you must have a written rental agreement or lease or a signed letter from your landlord confirming that you are a tenant.

 

Damage Assessments

 

Do I need to wait for a detailed Damage Assessment Report before I start my repairs? 

 

No. People don’t need to wait for a detailed damage assessment to make repairs. But, before starting any repair and cleanup, applicants should first contact their insurance company to find out what is covered by private insurance and how much of the costs are covered. People should then list all damaged or destroyed items and keep a record of photos, receipts, and warranties. Also keep all receipts related to clean up and living expenses if you’ve been displaced from your home after the evacuation period.

 

Once these details are documented, people can go ahead and start purchasing supplies and materials or hiring contractors. The person doing the detailed damage assessment will need to see the documentation before anything was repaired in order to ensure the assessment outlines all damages accurately. The detailed Damage Assessment Report outlines what can be claimed in a disaster assistance claim.

 

Who do people contact to get the detailed damage assessments done? 

 

For residents, small businesses, and non-profit organizations:

  • The GNWT facilitates the damage assessment at no cost to applicants. This assessment is done as soon as possible after it is safe to return to the community. 

 

For local authorities:

  • Local authorities are responsible for assessing the damage and loss to their public infrastructure and equipment. The cost of assessing their loss and damage is reimbursable under the Disaster Assistance Policy.

 

GNWT Pathfinders can assist residents, small businesses, and non-profit organizations to arrange for a detailed damage assessment. Pathfinders can be contacted in person at the MACA office in the Hay River Courthouse, or by email or phone at  flood@gov.nt.ca  or (867) 874-2193.

 

When will the detailed Damage Assessment Reports be available?

 

Damage Assessment Reports are available approximately 3-4 weeks after the property has been visited by an appraiser. Please note that it may take longer, depending on the damage to the structure. 

 

What if the contractor says the repairs will be more than the damage assessment?

 

The Damage Assessment Report provides an estimate of what repairs might cost. The actual repair costs may be more or less than the estimate and should be included in your claim with quotes, receipts, photos, etc. included to back up your claim once the work is completed.

 

Abatement

 

What is abatement?

 

Abatement is the actions taken after the flood to prevent further damage from occurring and to prevent mold growth. This includes actions such as:

  • Removing skirting and wet insulation
  • Removing wet drywall
  • Removing flooring
  • Cleaning mud and debris
  • Using dryers and heaters to remove water from the building
  • Removing mold and spraying mold inhibitors

 

The GNWT has arranged for contractors to do abatement work for residents and businesses, or residents and businesses can choose to do their own abatement. 

 

What buildings on a property are eligible for Disaster Assistance for abatement work?

 

Residents may only claim disaster assistance for abatement work on their primary residence. While other structures such as sheds and detached garages may also require abatement, these other structures are not eligible for disaster assistance for abatement work.

 

Businesses may claim disaster assistance for abatement work on buildings used for essential business purposes.

 

If a resident does their own abatement, is that reimbursed separately?  Is the value of that included in the claim for Disaster Assistance?

 

You can claim disaster assistance for abatement work that you (and/or family and friends) do yourself or hire a licensed contractor to do. You will need to submit documentation, e.g., pictures, receipts and records of time spent doing the abatement work when you submit your final claim for disaster assistance. Eligible abatement costs will not be included in the calculation of your disaster assistance claim for repairs. 

 

Can a resident who owns a contracting company, use their own company to do the abatement and/or repair work on their own house, bill this work at normal company rates, and include these costs in their claim?

 

Yes. However, quotes, invoices, receipts, photos, work description, etc. must still be provided as back-up to your claim to substantiate the expense.

 

If a tradesperson can do their own repairs but does not own a contracting company, can they do their own abatement and/or repairs and bill typical tradesperson rates?

 

Yes, as long as the repairs are done by a certified tradesperson and the invoices and other substantiation are generally in line with what other certified tradespersons are charging. 

 

Repairs and Replacements

 

Is the GNWT organizing the repairs to homes and businesses in Hay River?

 

No.  The GNWT is not coordinating repairs to damaged property for residents, small businesses and non-profit organizations in Hay River.

 

Coordinating repairs to homes and businesses is the responsibility of the property owner.  Property owners should take steps to start repairs to their homes as soon as they are able to and/or once they have their detailed Damage Assessment Reports.  They should keep copies of all receipts, contracts and other documentation to provide with their claim for disaster assistance.

 

The GNWT is working with KFN leadership and the federal government to coordinate the repairs to homes and businesses on the KFN reserve.

 

Is the GNWT replacing homes in Hay River that are damaged beyond repair?

 

No. Property owners are responsible to make the decision to repair or replace their homes. Disaster assistance is available for eligible costs. Property owners should keep copies of all receipts, contracts and other documentation to provide with their claim for disaster assistance.

If the damage assessment recommends repair and an individual chooses to pursue replacement, they are responsible to cover any costs incurred over and above the amount estimated for repairs.
 

If a homeowner decides to demolish their existing home and build a replacement, then all costs, including demolition and replacement homes, should be included in their claim.  Costs will be reviewed to determine eligibility for disaster assistance. 

 

The new house and property can be more expensive than the disaster assistance provided to you, but you are responsible for paying any additional costs over the disaster assistance amount.

 

The new house and property can also be of a larger size or have different features than your previous house and property; however, this would not be eligible for disaster assistance, and you are responsible for those additional costs.

 

For example, if your damaged home was approximately a 1500 ft2, 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom house with no attached garage but your replacement home is a 2000 ft2, 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom with attached garage, then the additional cost for the extra 500 ft2, 1 more bedroom, 1 more bathroom and the attached garage is not eligible for disaster assistance.

 

You will need to provide quotes, receipts, etc. to identify any improvements and these costs are not eligible for disaster assistance. 


Residents who are contemplating replacing their homes should contact the Pathfinders for direct assistance with their own unique situations. GNWT Pathfinders are available in person at the MACA Office in the Hay River Courthouse Building or contact them at:

(867) 874-2193 or flood@gov.nt.ca   
 

 

Is GNWT approval needed if a Hay River resident wants to demolish and replace their house?

 

Ultimately, the decision to demolish and replace a home, instead of repairing it, is a decision for the homeowner to make. However, if the damage assessment recommends repair and an individual chooses to pursue replacement, they are responsible to cover any costs incurred over and above the amount estimated for repairs.

Residents who are contemplating replacing their homes should contact the Pathfinders for direct assistance with their own unique situations. GNWT Pathfinders are available in person at the MACA Office in the Hay River Courthouse Building or contact them at:

(867) 874-2193 or flood@gov.nt.ca
 

If a house needs to be replaced, how are the costs to demolish the house handled in the claim process?

 

For houses that need to be demolished, the cost of the demolition should be included as part of your disaster assistance claim for repairs. There is no separate process or financial assistance to cover demolition costs, and it cannot be covered as part of the mitigation allowance of up to $75,000.

 

Can improvements to a home be done while flood damage repairs are being done?

 

Yes, but any improvements, and their value, must be identified and deducted from any quotes, invoices and receipts and cannot be part of your damage assistance claim. Damage Assistance is only provided for essential items and to return your home to its pre-disaster state.  Costs to bring systems up to the current building code may be eligible for disaster assistance if they were damaged due to the disaster.

 

Can a home be moved/rebuilt/replaced on a different spot on the current property?

 

Yes. Costs to do this may be covered by damage assistance or as a mitigation cost, depending upon the primary reason for the different location being chosen. Please contact a Pathfinder for assistance by visiting the MACA office located at the Courthouse in Hay River or contacting flood@gov.nt.ca or (867) 874-2193 if you are considering replacing your home.

 

Can I decide to rebuild on another property?

 

Yes. Costs to do this may be covered by damage assistance or as a mitigation cost, depending upon the primary reason for vacating the flooded property.  Please contact a Pathfinder for assistance by visiting the MACA office located at the Courthouse in Hay River or contacting flood@gov.nt.ca or (867) 874-2193 if you are considering replacing your home.

 

Is assistance is available for structural engineering?

 

Upon request, the GNWT will arrange and pay for a structural engineering condition assessment if there are reasonable concerns about the structural stability of your home. You can then use this assessment in deciding what you want to do with your house with regards to repairing it or replacing it.

 

The GNWT will also arrange and pay for the structural engineering assessment and design if raising your house is determined to be a viable and necessary mitigation technique to protect your house against future floods.

 

If a resident chooses to arrange and pay for their own structural engineering assessment for repairs or mitigation, they are responsible for the associated costs.  These costs may be included in either the disaster assistance claim or the mitigation claim. 

 

All expenses will be assessed for eligibility for disaster assistance. 

 

Mitigation and Environmental Damages

 

What is flood mitigation?

 

Mitigation is actions and steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of damages and losses from future floods. Examples of flood mitigation are:

  • Elevating your home.
  • Moving your furnace, hot water heater and electrical box above flood level.
  • Replacing your furnace with baseboard heaters.
  • Installing weeping tiles and sump pumps on either the interior or exterior of your home.
  • Switching your petroleum heating system to another heat source to eliminate fuel tanks.
  • Securing your propane tanks used for heating your home.
  • Using water-resistant building materials instead of drywall.
  • Installing water-resistant basement insulation.
  • Making structural changes to your home to increase flood-proofing.
  • Performing seismic retrofitting such as installing foundation bolts, cripple wall bracing and shear walls.
  • Disconnecting downspouts and foundation drains from sewers.
  • Reinforcing your home to be more resistant to wind and ice damage.
  • Installing protective plumbing such as backflow prevention valves.

 

This is not a restrictive list, so mitigation methods that are not on this list may be considered.

 

Is there any financial assistance available for mitigation against future floods?

 

Mitigation ranges from elevating a home, to moving furnaces out of basements, to installing water-resistant building materials. 

 

For those impacted by the 2022 flood in Hay River, the GNWT is providing a maximum of $75,000 for residents and small businesses with eligible claims, to undertake mitigation.

 

Applying for assistance with mitigation costs is a separate process from applying for disaster assistance. Pathfinders can assist residents and small businesses with this process. Mitigation activities must be pre-approved by the GNWT and not covered by insurance to be eligible.

 

Upon request, MACA will arrange for a mitigation consultation so that residents and business owners can discuss possible and relevant mitigation options for their property, taking into consideration what damages occurred (as detailed on their Damage Assessment Report). Costs for this assessment will be covered by the GNWT.

 

Because some mitigation measures, like elevating a home, may require specialized technical assistance to see if it is even an option, the GNWT will also arrange and pay for a structural engineering condition assessment, upon request.  The GNWT will also arrange and pay for the design if raising your building is determined to be a viable and necessary mitigation technique to protect your building against future floods.

 

Residents should contact the Pathfinders to arrange for a mitigation consultation or structural engineering condition assessment. GNWT Pathfinders are available in person at the MACA Office in the Hay River Courthouse Building or contact them at:

(867) 874-2193 or flood@gov.nt.ca.   

 

Is an advance available for mitigation costs?

 

An advance payment option is not available for mitigation activities because mitigation assistance is based on actual expenses incurred. However, residents and small business owners have the option to either pay contractors directly for work on pre-approved mitigation activities and then submit claims to the GNWT for reimbursement, or arrangements can be made in advance for contractors to invoice the GNWT directly.

 

Mitigation activities must be pre-approved by the GNWT and not covered by insurance to be eligible.

 

If I want to elevate my home as a mitigation against future flooding, how high should I elevate it?

 

Homes should be elevated at least 40 cm above the high-water mark.

 

Upon request, MACA will arrange for a mitigation consultation so that residents and business owners can discuss possible and relevant mitigation options for their property, taking into consideration what damages occurred (as detailed on their Damage Assessment Report). Costs for this assessment will be covered by the GNWT.

 

Mitigation activities must be pre-approved by the GNWT and not covered by insurance to be eligible.

 

Residents should contact the Pathfinders to arrange for a mitigation consultation. GNWT Pathfinders are available in person at the MACA Office in the Hay River Courthouse Building or contact them at: (867) 874-2193 or flood@gov.nt.ca

 

How are the mitigation options evaluated and selected?

 

To be eligible for funding up to $75,000, mitigation must be approved by the GNWT prior to work being undertaken.  The proposed mitigation must be related to the damage incurred by the flood for it to be eligible for disaster assistance. For example, a request to raise a house will likely not be approved for mitigation funding if the damage to that house was limited to the skirting, there was no flood damage within the main structure and there was still adequate clearance above the high-water mark of the flood.

 

Raising a house would be considered for mitigation funding if the main structure was flooded or was close to being flooded.

 

Upon request, the GNWT will arrange for a mitigation consultation so that you may discuss possible and relevant mitigation options for your home taking into consideration what damages your home received (as detailed on the damage assessment report).  Please contact a Pathfinder if you would like this assistance.

 

Because some mitigation measures, like elevating a home may require specialized technical assistance to see if it is even an option, the GNWT will arrange and pay for a structural engineering condition assessment, upon request.  The GNWT will also arrange and pay for the design if raising your building is determined to be a viable and necessary mitigation technique to protect your building against future floods.

 

Residents should contact the Pathfinders to arrange for a mitigation consultation or structural engineering condition assessment. GNWT Pathfinders are available in person at the MACA Office in the Hay River Courthouse Building or contact them at: (867) 874-2193 or flood@gov.nt.ca.

 

Is there any assistance available for environmental damages such as fuel spills?

 

The GNWT has done preliminary spill assessments in the Town of Hay River and on the KFN reserve and 55 sites have been identified where there is contamination, some of which may have historical contamination. 

 

The GNWT will be doing more detailed environmental work and will be paying for remediation to clean up these sites where where the spill is directly associated with the 2022 flood.and not covered by insurance

 

Will there be any community-level mitigation projects that might protect neighbourhoods against future flooding?


The use of community-level mitigations is being explored. MACA is working with the Town of Hay River and Public Safety Canada to determine what types of community-level mitigations are eligible under the federal Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA). This may include options such as raising roads to protect neighbourhoods against future flooding.

 

MACA has made arrangements for a community-level engineering assessment of the KFN Reserve to identify mitigation options that could be considered to help protect areas on the KFN Reserve against future flooding.