Pembroke: On Monday, May 13th the County of Renfrew held a Town Hall meeting to provide flood recovery information and support to flood affected residents. Almost 100 residents filled the Ma-Te-Way Activity Centre to hear from various provincial and regional support agencies, including the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Emergency Management Ontario, Renfrew County and District Health Unit, Canadian Red Cross and the County of Renfrew’s Paramedic Services.
Now entering the third week of the County of Renfrew’s declared State of Emergency, efforts are now preparing to turn to the recovery stage. A Flood Impact and Recovery document, prepared by the County of Renfrew, is available online and is a resource for residents. The document contains information about post-flooding clean-up, including dealing with contaminated materials and flood debris, well water testing and recovery of septic systems.
Additional support and resources available to residents include:
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Canadian Red Cross: Residents can register to be eligible for up to $600 in immediate financial support if primary residence is affected. www.redcross.ca
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Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing: Reviewed Disaster Relief Assistance for Ontarians program, which gives affected residents up to 120 days to submit an application for relief funding (August 27th); the funding covers primary residences only. Residents may be eligible up to $250k; not-for-profit businesses, farms and small businesses can also apply. https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-disaster-recovery-assistance
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Renfrew County & District Health Unit (RCDHU): Is offering free well water testing, additional drop-off locations will be set-up in flood zones; the RCDHU reminded residents about potential mould/air quality issues that may arise as a result of flooded homes. The RCDHU can assist residents in identifying mould and provide additional resources. http://rcdhu.com/healthy-living/emergency-preparedness/
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Emergency Management Ontario: Shared a message to remind residents to take care of own health, be wary of exhaustion and to seek emotional support when needed.
Over the weekend, Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry John Yakabuski announced the creation of a task force to better plan for and reduce the impacts of flooding. The internal task force will consult with municipal, Indigenous and industry leaders to discuss how to better prepare for floods and respond to them when they happen.
“This has been an extremely difficult time for our residents and communities”, said Warden Jennifer Murphy. “We are now entering our third week and I know that residents are overwhelmed and tired. I also know that the people of Renfrew County are resilient, strong and determined. I welcome the announcement from Premier Ford and Minister Yakabuski regarding the creation of a task force and look forward to being part of those discussions on May23rd.”
At this time, the County of Renfrew and eight additional municipalities remain under a State of Emergency, including the Townships of Whitewater Region, Laurentian Valley, Horton, Greater Madawaska, McNab/Braeside; Killaloe-Hagarty-Richards, as well as the Town of Petawawa and City of Pembroke.
For More Information Please Contact:
Paul Moreau Chief Administrative Officer, County of Renfrew 613 735-7288
Michael Barber Media Relations/Grants Coordinator, County of Renfrew 613-735-7288