Alberta residents to receive financial aid on uninsurable flood damage

In response to damages incurred from recent flash floods in southern Alberta, the province has approved a $55 million disaster recovery program. The funds will aid residents of 17 Alberta municipalities and three First Nations, compensating for uninsurable severe weather-related damages. Damage to municipal infrastructure and extraordinary operating costs, such as flood control and additional maintenance crews, will also be compensated through funds from the disaster recovery program.Most flood-related damage is not readily covered and reasonably available by insurance because policies traditionally will only cover damage from causes such as sewer backup, not flooding where water enters the insured property through basement windows. The relief program is being funded by Alberta’s Sustainability Fund, used for disaster assistance.Alberta Municipal Affairs representatives suggest that, before application registration center locations and hours are finalized and announced, residents should: contact their respective insurance company to review existing coverage; request a letter indicating what is not covered by insurance; and, prepare a detail list of all property with non-insurable damage. For more information regarding the recover program visit the Municipal Affairs website of Alberta at www.municipalaffairs.gov.ab.ca.