Residents in areas of Billings, North Bay, Minden Hills and Muskoka Lakes can now apply for financial support
MINDEN HILLS — The Ontario government is activating the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program in specific areas of Billings, North Bay, Minden Hills and Muskoka Lakes that were affected by overland flooding from lakes, rivers, and creeks in April 2026. Residents, small businesses, farms and not-for-profit organizations in identified areas can now apply for financial support for damage caused by flooding that is not covered by insurance.
“We know that floods can have a devastating effect on residents, businesses and communities, and we are taking action to ensure that those impacted do not have to bear the unexpected cost of recovery alone,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Our government made a promise to protect Ontario, and providing support in times of natural disasters is one way we are translating that commitment into action.”
In April 2026, 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.
“When disaster strikes, people need to know there is a path forward,” said Graydon Smith, Associate Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and MPP for Parry Sound–Muskoka. “By expanding the DRAO program to these additional communities, we’re helping more Ontario residents get back on their feet.”
The disaster assistance program applies to a primary residence and its basic contents, or to a small business, farm or not-for-profit organization. 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.
“This spring, when flooding threatened communities across Ontario, Ontario Corps members were on the ground filling sandbags, setting up flood barriers and supporting reception centres,” said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response and MPP for Simcoe North. “We stood with Ontarians then, and we continue to stand with them today. Our government is committed to providing support and helping communities recover from the impacts of these floods.”
To find out if they may be eligible for assistance, if they are in the activation area and for next steps, individuals, small businesses, farms and not-for-profit organizations should review the map and program guidelines available at ontario.ca/DisasterAssistance. The application deadline is January 18, 2027.
Quick Facts
- DRAO does not replace insurance. Applicants must proceed with a claim through private insurance providers before submitting an application.
- On July 17, 2026, DRAO was activated in parts of Armour, Burk’s Falls, French River, Greater Sudbury, Orillia, Ramara, and Kawartha Lakes, based on available assessment information. Damage assessments for the remaining affected municipalities have now been completed.
- Impacted individuals can call 1-877-822-0116 or email disasterassistance@ontario.ca after speaking with their private insurance provider.
Quotes
“I am pleased the Township of Minden Hills has been approved for the provincial Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians program. Our government is committed to supporting affected communities and eligible residents as they recover and rebuild. We will continue to stand with the people of Minden Hills and communities across Ontario as they recover from the impacts of these floods.”
– Laurie Scott
MPP for Haliburton – Kawartha Lakes – Brock
“I am pleased that Minden Hills has qualified for DRAO funding. This will benefit those who suffered damage from the catastrophic flooding in Minden Hills during the spring of 2026. Minden Hills staff, working with ministry officials, were able to work cooperatively to evaluate the damage and complete the process leading to this decision. We would like to thank the Provincial Government for their support.”
– Bob Carter
Mayor of Minden Hills
Additional Resources
Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians Guidelines
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