2nd Response from the Province

Dear Ms Smith:
 
On behalf of Premier Greg Selinger, thank you for taking the time to share your experience and concerns regarding this year’s unprecedented flood. This is a difficult and stressful time for many Manitobans and Premier Selinger appreciates you taking the time to contact his office.
 
On May 24, Premier Selinger announced the 2011 Flood Building and Recovery Action Plan, a three-part strategy to build for the future, strengthen communities, and help families and producers deal with the serious impacts of flooding. For more information, please contact Manitoba Agricultural Services Corp (MASC) at www.gov.mb.ca/flooding or floodrecovery@masc.mb.ca or phone 1-855-220-1822 (toll-free).
 
The Flood 2011 Building and Recovery Action Plan includes a special Lake Manitoba Financial Assistance Programs to provide recovery support for families and producers in your area. Program details are available at the web address above and any questions about the program can be raised through the toll-free number.
 
On July 4, Premier Selinger announced enhancements to the Action Plan for primary residents along Lake Manitoba. These enhancements include increasing the maximum amount of financial assistance available to home owners to $270,000, or $300,000 if permanent flood protection is undertaken. A 2011 Individual Flood Proofing Initiative has also been launched, offering up to $86,000 in financial assistance toward projects to permanently flood proof homes.
 
Also, for those who are eligible, the Individual Flood Proofing Initiative will be available for non-primary residences, where up to $34,400 will be provided to permanently flood protect cottages.
 
For Manitobans who have had property damaged by the 2011 flood, the province will cover municipal and school taxes for families for the period of time from when their property was damaged through to the end of the year. Municipalities have been asked to identify the flood-affected properties that will qualify for this tax relief.
 
Please also note that there is extensive information available on our website related to the 2011 flood, including lake and river forecast information, new investments in flood mitigation works and flood-proofing, and resources for flood recovery and support. Please visit www.gov.mb.ca/flooding for more information and check back often for updates.
 
Thank you,
 
Joel Carleton
Flood Intake Coordinator