Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure is providing additional information about financial assistance available to municipalities, homeowners, tenants and other individuals affected by flooding between June 6 and July 1.
To speed up payments for individuals with basement flooding, Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure’s Emergency Management Organization (EMO) is using a Rapid Residential Assessment Model (RRAM). The model calculates an initial assistance payment based on factors such as water depth, basement size, room type, level of finishing and restoration needs. It also includes emergency work costs such as water extraction, removal of damaged materials and disposal. The RRAM is designed to help homeowners restore and prepare their basements for occupancy more quickly.
The RRAM covers building restoration costs only. Damaged household contents are assessed separately. Assistance for household contents reflects the average replacement cost of basic and essential items rather than the original purchase price or the cost of premium replacements. Appliances are reimbursed based on invoices up to program maximums.
The programs focus on helping Manitobans recover essential living conditions. The programs do not cover luxury or non-essential items such as decorative landscaping, outdoor furniture, decks, antiques or collector’s items. Assistance may also be available for eligible building components such as furnaces, hot water tanks and water treatment systems, as well as structural and site repairs caused by flooding.
For eligible individual claims, assistance is capped at $3 million, less the deductible, up to the cost of repairs or the assessed value of the property, whichever is lower. A deductible of $2,500 or 20 per cent of the eligible assistance amount, whichever is greater, applies to all claims and is deducted from the approved payment amount.
Most eligible Manitobans have already received the initial $500 payment. Applicants are encouraged to submit photos, receipts, invoices and estimates as soon as possible. For claims involving basement flooding only and where sufficient information is available, initial payments through the RRAM are expected to begin flowing within weeks. More complex claims involving main-floor or structural damage require additional assessment. Information on eligibility, required documentation and the application process is available and regularly updated at www.gov.mb.ca/mfrp.
Individuals in eligible municipalities will be assessed under the Manitoba Flood Recovery Program, while local authorities and organizations will be assessed under the Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) program. Individuals who do not qualify for MFRP may still apply for DFA assistance.
Organizations, including farms, small businesses, non-profit organizations and local authorities, do not qualify for MFRP, but are eligible to apply for the DFA program for those affected by flooding between June 6 and July 1. More information for local authorities and organizations can be found at: www.gov.mb.ca/emo/funding/dfa/.
