In the face of flooded homes and businesses across the province this summer, including the extensive damage caused in Yorkton by the storm July 1, the Saskatchewan government has moved to enhance its disaster assistance program.
Premier Brad Wall made the announcement Tuesday in North Battleford, but local MLA Greg Ottenbreit held a press conference of his own to announce the changes to local media.
"This is good news for our city," said Ottenbreit, noting Yorkton is among 119 municipalities both urban and rural to declare emergencies because of summer storms this year.
While not solving all the issues resulting from the flood Ottenbreit said the changes "should relieve some of the stress."
Leading the changes is a reduction of the initial deductible on payouts from 20 per cent to five.
Ottenbreit said the change was made because "the higher amount is a burden."
The lower deductible will make a difference to many individuals and families in repairing their damaged homes and replacing their essential belongings. For example, for someone with $10,000 in eligible damages, this will increase the compensation they receive by $1,500.
The amount individual home owners and businesses are eligible for has also increased. The maximum amount of assistance available for principal residences goes from $160,000 to $240,000 and for eligible small businesses, non-profits, boards and primary agriculture enterprises from $160,000 to $500,000.
Ottenbreit called the changes "very significant" adding it reflects the strong economy in the province.Out-of-province business and landlords are also now eligible for aid under the changes.
Ottenbreit said that change was made in recognition that such entrepreneurs "make a significant contribution to our economy."
Municipalities can also now apply to the program, with a 0.15 of tax base deductible, and regional park authorities now have the same eligibility same as municipalities.
Locally Mayor James Wilson said that is still not likely to help Yorkton.
"At this time based upon these numbers, maybe nothing," said Wilson when asked what Yorkton might get out of the provincial program. He added " Our costs are increasing."
Wilson said it is now being estimated the flood costs to the City will near $1 million, which is approximately the 0.15 per cent.
All the changes are retroactive to the start of the fiscal year on April 1, 2010, so they will benefit victims of this summer's storms.
