Flood relief program now available for affected Ottawa residents
Ontario's Disaster Recovery Assistance program opens to residents, small businesses, farms and non-profits in Ottawa after July 1 flooding. Application deadline is November 16, 2026.
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Residents, small businesses, farms and non-profit organizations in Ottawa affected by recent flooding can now apply to Ontario's Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program for damage not covered by insurance.
On July 1, 2026, more than 150 millimetres of rain fell across parts of Ottawa. Graham Creek and Stillwater Creek overflowed their banks, causing overland flooding that damaged homes in the area.
Eligible applicants can receive financial assistance for cleanup expenses, costs to repair or replace essential property, and basic emergency expenses like evacuation costs. The application deadline is November 16, 2026.
Impacted individuals must proceed with a claim through private insurance providers before submitting a DRAO application. Basement and crawl space damage is eligible only to the extent necessary to restore these areas to a safe, basic condition—basement finishes and furnishings are not eligible. Sewer backup is generally ineligible. For more information, visit ontario.ca/DisasterAssistance or call 1-877-822-0116 or email disasterassistance@ontario.ca.
The facts
When did the flooding occur in Ottawa?
On July 1, 2026, more than 150 millimetres of rain fell across parts of Ottawa, causing Graham Creek and Stillwater Creek to overflow their banks and damage homes in the area.
When is the application deadline for DRAO?
The application deadline for Ontario's Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians program is November 16, 2026.
What types of expenses does DRAO cover?
Ontario's Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians program covers cleanup expenses, costs to repair or replace essential property, and basic emergency expenses like evacuation costs for damage not covered by insurance.
Who can apply for DRAO?
Residents, small businesses, farms and non-profit organizations in Ottawa affected by the July 1, 2026 flooding can apply to Ontario's Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians program.
