By Pepper Parr
August 7, 2014
BURLINGTON, ON
Candidate for City and Regional Councillor in Burlington’s Ward 5, James Smith, is urging Burlington Mayor Rick Goldring and council to declare a disaster as a result of the August 4th flood that caused extensive damage to many homes and businesses in Burlington.
Smith quoted Burlington Mayor Rick Goldring who said on radio 680 “it was the worst flooding in 20-30 years”. Smith continued “surely the worst flooding in 20-30 years qualifies as a disaster. The only way for the city to access provincial disaster relief is to declare a disaster and apply to the province for matching funds.”
According to Smith “Burlington was lucky, in that it was only property was damaged, there was no loss of life. In our home we sustained no damage from the storm, but neighbours all around us have serious problems.
“I’ve spoken to some people’s who’s insurance will not cover all, or significant amounts of the damage they’ve sustained. Given that many people in the South East are only now recovering from an earlier event we are going to need whatever assistance we can get from the province. Even the city of Toronto declared a disaster last summer, after a smaller event. The city of Burlington’s focus must be helping in whatever way they can to get relief right now. That means declare a disaster, to get access to help from the province.”
Smith has high praise for City and Regional staff who’ve responded amazingly well in this event but has some concerns. “The City of Burlington and the Region of Halton have been slow getting needed information to those affected. We need to do a better job getting information out to people affected. Residents requiring assistance need access to timely and accurate information.”
Smith concluded, “ The Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program requires fundraising to get underway as quickly as possible. I’ve already seen how many people in my neighbourhood have responded and have pitched in to help their neighbours. This is the kind of occurrence that proves Burlington is a caring community, we need to continue this effort; the fundraising needs to start right away, we need the Mayor and council to do their part to get the province involved. Declare a disaster, and let’s get to work!”
