Disaster Recovery

2023 Wildfires Recovery

Contents

Important information for residents who experienced property damage as the result of the 2023 Wildfires:

 

The Department of Municipal and Community Affairs is no longer accepting new Disaster Assistance Policy applications for the 2023 wildfires.  Individuals with questions about existing claims can contact Pathfinders by phone or email at: 867-446-4492 or disasterassistance@gov.nt.ca

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Accommodations

  • Residents with insurance will need to work with their insurance providers to arrange for their long-term accommodations during the repair/replacement process.

  • MACA will provide accommodations or displacement allowance to uninsured residents for a limited period while they make their long-term plans.

    • Residents who were tenants will be supported with accommodations or displacement allowance until the end of November.
    • Homeowners will be supported with accommodations or displacement allowance until August 31, 2024.
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Damage Assessments and Environmental Reviews

  • MACA has arranged for damage assessments to be completed to assess the extent and an estimated value of the damages to primary residences and businesses.  The damage assessments will be provided to tenants, homeowners, and business owners.
  • MACA has arranged for environmental reviews of impacted primary residences and buildings, as well as evaluating the overall environmental risks to affected communities. The environmental reviews will be provided to the home and businesses owners, and the overall environmental review will be provided to the community government.
  • Tenants, homeowners, and business owners with fire insurance will be able to use the damage assessments and the environmental reviews to work with their insurance provider on their insurance claims.
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Debris Clean-up

  • The remains of burned structures contain potentially hazardous and/or toxic materials.  Residents and business owners whose houses or businesses were destroyed by the wildfire should not enter their properties until a damage assessment and environmental review has been completed and all safety precautions (including personal protective equipment) are in place for entry, which may not be until the debris and environmental clean-up has been completed.
  • Residents with insurance will need to work with their insurance providers to arrange for debris and environmental clean-up.
  • For uninsured primary residences and business properties, MACA will undertake debris and environmental clean-up to ensure that risks to environmental and public health and safety are removed in a timely manner.
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Eligibility for Disaster Assistance

  • Disaster assistance under federal and territorial disaster assistance programs is generally not available where a property was insured or insurable, although disaster assistance may be available to the uninsured in exceptional circumstances.

  • MACA will work with uninsured tenants, homeowners and business owners to evaluate their eligibility for disaster assistance for the replacement of lost contents and the repair and replacement of structures and equipment.

  • It is expected this process will take several months. During this time, MACA will complete the damage assessments, environmental reviews, and debris and environmental clean-up of these properties.

  • Please use this Checklist:  Resident Disaster Assistance Eligibility Checklist

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Cabins

  • Cabins are not eligible for disaster assistance, unless it is a primary residence.

  • MACA will not be completing damage assessments, environmental reviews or environmental clean-ups for properties that were not primary residences or businesses.

  • Owners of cabins that were impacted are responsible for their own accommodations, any assessments, and clean-up of their properties.

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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 can be reached by phone or email at: 867-446-4492 or disasterassistance@gov.nt.ca

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