Some city residents along Chippewa Creek who were affected by flooding in April can now apply to the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program.
The province has activated the program for specific areas of North Bay, Billings, Minden Hills and Muskoka Lakes.
Officials say it’s for residents, small businesses, farms and not-for-profit organizations in identified areas impacted by flood damage that is not covered by insurance.
“We’re pleased to see that the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians program has been activated for eligible North Bay residents affected by the April 2026 flooding,” says Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing. “We’ve heard from constituents near Chippewa Creek who were affected by the heavy rainfall. When disasters strike, it is reassuring to know our government is there to support the community.”
The province says in April, snowmelt, saturated ground and repeated rainfall caused rivers, creeks and lakes to overflow, resulting in widespread overland flooding across areas in northeastern, central and eastern Ontario.
“I want to thank the Ontario government for recognizing the impact of the April flooding and making this assistance available,” says Mayor Peter Chirico. “This support will help eligible residents and small businesses with essential costs that aren’t covered by insurance.”
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
Maps of specific areas included, and program guidelines are available at ontario.ca/DisasterAssistance.
The application deadline is January 18, 2027.
