Following heavy rainfall that has caused flooding and damage in the Peace River Regional District, the Province has approved Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) for affected residents, Public Safety Minister Shirley Bond announced today.

Up to 15O mm of rain has fallen in the region since June 23, flooding several districts and causing damage to homes, businesses, roads, bridges and sewer systems.

Areas that are eligible for consideration for DFA within the Peace River Regional District are:

• City of Dawson Creek
• City of Fort. St. John
• District of Chetwynd
• District of Taylor
• District of Tumbler Ridge

* Hudson's Hope

* Electoral Area B - on an east/west line south from Pink Mountain

* Electoral Areas C, D and E

To be eligible for assistance, the damage must be from an uninsurable event such as overland flooding. Snow load and wind damage are examples of insurable damage and therefore not eligible for DFA assistance.

The DFA program helps eligible homeowners, residential tenants, farms, small businesses and charitable organizations when property is damaged by uninsurable disasters, including certain floods and mudslides.

For eligible claims, the program covers up to 80 per cent of the portion of a claim exceeding $1,000, to a maximum of $300,000. Local governments may also be eligible for DFA.

DFA application forms, guidelines and more information about the program are available at www.pep.bc.ca or by calling 1 888 257-4777. The deadline for submitting DFA applications is Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2011.

Contact:

Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General
250 356-6961