Deadline looms for uninsured/underinsured Thunder Bay residents to submit advance claims to the City for disaster assistance

Thunder Bay-area residents who did not have insurance, had inadequate insurance or had insurance that did not cover the flood damage incurred when heavy rains in late May unleashed enough water to overwhelm the city’s sewage treatment facility are reminded to submit advance claims to the City of Thunder Bay by July 9.

Thunder Bay declared a state of emergency after it was pummelled with 91 millimetres of rain in just 18 hours. Of that amount, 71 mm fell in the city over slightly less than six hours, an Environment Canada spokesperson said at the time.

Residents of Thunder Bay, Conmee and Oliver-Paipoonge must submit advance claims for flood relief by 8 pm on July 9. The forms can be picked up at City Hall and other locations, notes a statement from the City of Thunder Bay.

“To qualify for the advance of $1,000 against any disaster assistance, we are urging everyone that was affected by the flood to get their yellow forms in by Monday,” says Lynn Peterson, vice chair of the Disaster Relief Committee.

Information on the city’s website says residents can submit an application for assistance for losses and damages, and if required, an application for an advance to cover some of the upfront costs. The application deadline for the former is Oct. 31, 2012.

A water bill relief program for residents who experienced property damage during the emergency has been put in place, the city reports. Assistance is being provided with a credit of $207 for homes connected to the city sanitary sewer system and $118 for homes not connected to that system.

Several insurance associations and companies attended the scene to provide assistance and help with handling flood claims following the emergency.

Cunningham Lindsey reported at the time that although firm numbers had not yet been released, city officials speculated more than 300 homes had already been affected. “The area has seen record rainfall and as a result are experiencing significant flooding causing damage to homes and businesses in the region,” said Mike Morris, the company’s vice president of national operations.