Ontario Government Activates Disaster Recovery Assistance Program Following April 2026 Overland Flooding
September 18, 2026Residents in areas of Billings, North Bay, Minden Hills and Muskoka Lakes can now apply for financial support
NORTH BAY — 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’re pleased to see that the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians program has been activated for eligible North Bay residents affected by the April 2026 flooding,” said MPP Vic Fedeli. “We’ve heard from constituents near Chippewa Creek who were affected by the heavy rainfall. When disasters strike, it is reassuring to know our government is there to support the community.”
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.
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.
“I want to thank the Ontario government for recognizing the impact of the April flooding and making this assistance available. This support will help eligible residents and small businesses with essential costs that aren’t covered by insurance.” – Peter Chirico, Mayor of North Bay.
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.