The Safe Home Program has helped victims of the May flooding return to their homes, but the price tag of doing that could cost the city more than $3 million.
Applications for the program ended on Aug. 10 and was offered to those who had no or inadequate insurance. About 463 victims of the flood registered and city officials say all of those who applied have returned to their homes.
The program helped many families clear out basements, repair hot water tanks and furnaces as well.
The price tag for the work done by the city is estimated to cost $3 million.
Michael Smith, General Manager for the city’s Facilities & Fleet Department, said that estimate could change given once they receive more information. Work will continue until the end of September and that could make the price tag go higher, he said.
“One of the things we’re working through is whether or not those costs will be valid under the Ontario Disaster Relief Program or whether or not council will have to consider other ways to fund that,” Smith said.
“That’s the price tag estimate at this point. As we get closer to the end of September, we will have a better gauge on that. To my knowledge there are no people who are left out of their homes as a result of the work done in the Safe Home program. I can’t speak to those who did not register in that program.”
