Provincial Disaster Recovery Assistance Program Activated Following April 2026 Overland Flooding (River St, Bala)

The program has been activated for a specific geographic area along River Street in Bala.

Activation areas, eligibility and financial assistance are determined by the Province of Ontario. For homeowners, the program applies to a primary residence and does not cover cottages or other secondary residences.

Residents within the activation area who experienced damage are encouraged to review the provincial program information to understand eligibility, what expenses may be covered and how to apply.

Application Deadline: January 18, 2027

Learn more and apply: https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-disaster-recovery-assistance

What is the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program? The DRAO program provides financial assistance to eligible individuals, small businesses, farmers and not-for-profit organizations that have experienced damage to or loss of essential property as a result of a natural disaster where insurance is not available. DRAO is designed to address gaps in the insurance market. Insurance remains the most important way for private property owners to protect themselves from the financial impacts of disasters.

Where is the program currently activated? The program has been activated in municipalities that experienced flooding from lakes, rivers and creeks in April 2026. Eligible private property owners may apply for assistance if they reside within the activation area, sustained damage as a result of flooding from lakes, rivers and creeks, and do not have insurance coverage for the damage or have insurance that is insufficient to cover eligible essential recovery costs. Please review the DRAO website to see if your property is in the activation area: www.ontario.ca/disasterassistance.

Do I have need to submit a claim to my insurance company? Yes. If you have experienced flooding, you should contact your insurance provider first to determine whether your damages are covered by your insurance policy before applying to the program. 

Is damage to my furnished basement eligible under the program? Damage to basements is only eligible to the extent required to return these areas to a safe, basic state (e.g., clean-up, insulation and vapour barrier, furnace and basic appliances). The cost to restore basement finishes (drywall, flooring, etc.) and replacement of furnishings is not eligible under the program. 

Is damage caused by sewer backup flooding eligible under the program? Insurance for sewer back-up is widely available and flood damage caused by sewer back-up is not eligible under the program except under special provisions for low-income households (see program website for low-income threshold table). Sewer backup is defined under the program as: water coming up through floor drains, toilets, sinks, or other connections to the sewer system. This water can be clear and odorless. 

I have some insurance, but it doesn’t cover all my costs. Will DRAO cover the difference? You may be eligible for DRAO assistance if your insurance coverage is insufficient to cover your essential costs. Read the program guidelines carefully to understand what costs are considered “essential”. DRAO does not replace insurance. Applicants must proceed with a claim through private insurance providers before submitting an application. Insurance coverage including the deductible and payment will be subtracted from eligible amounts. If your insurance settlement is enough to cover your essential costs you would not be eligible for assistance. 

Is damage to my secondary residence/cottage property eligible? No, financial disaster assistance under the program is for essential property only. Secondary residences, such as cottages, and related structures are not eligible. 

Does the program cover landscaping? No, financial disaster assistance under the program is for essential property only. Landscaping, outbuildings, and pools are not eligible. 

Are foundation repairs eligible under the DRAO program? Foundation repairs may be eligible under the program subject to an engineer’s report. The report must verify the necessity of the proposed repairs and confirm that the damage was directly caused by the flood. 

Who can submit an application? Ontarians can apply for assistance under the program if they live in the defined geographical area where the program has been activated and they have eligible expenses related to the disaster. The deadline for applications is January 18, 2027. If you have trouble with the application form or have questions after reading the program guidelines, please contact us: Toll Free: 1-877-822-0116 or by Email: DisasterAssistance@Ontario.ca 

Water levels within the Muskoka River Watershed, including operational decisions related to dams, are managed by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) in accordance with the Muskoka River Watershed Management Plan (MRWMP). The Township monitors local conditions and information provided by the MNR to help inform municipal preparedness and response.

Following the significant flooding experienced in 2019, the Township has advocated for improvements to watershed and flood management. This work has focused on identifying opportunities to mitigate future flood impacts and advocating for updates to the MRWMP that reflect current and changing conditions within the watershed.

These priorities have been raised with the Province through Council resolutions, correspondence and delegations. Following the April 2026 flooding, Council renewed its call for action, and representatives from the Township, District of Muskoka and area municipalities met with the MNR at the 2026 Association of Municipalities of Ontario Conference in August to discuss the flooding and the MRWMP.

Advocacy remains one of the Townships key tools to affect change through its participation in groups such as the Muskoka Watershed Council and Muskoka River Watershed Communications Committee. The Township will continue to seek information and opportunities to strengthen preparedness and mitigation, while working with provincial and regional partners to better understand and address the impacts of flooding in Muskoka Lakes.

For more information about water levels, flood management and the Township’s ongoing advocacy, visit the Township’s Flood Information and Water Levels webpages.