Representatives of the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program (PDAP) were busy during the flood recovery centre that was set up in Estevan from July 14 to 16.
According to Grant Hilsenteger, the executive director with PDAP, they had 165 visitors at the centre, which was based out of the Leisure Services board room at the Estevan Leisure Centre.
They had 77 visitors who signed in the first day, 76 on the second day and 12 on the third. A total of 138 applications were filled out.
PDAP opened a centre in Estevan due to the July 10 thunderstorm that dropped more than 125 millimetres of rain on the city. The centre was staffed with PDAP officials and a provincial building official.
Hilsenteger said PDAP doesn’t have any plans to bring another centre to the city.
“We’ll work with the community and determine if they required something,” said Hilsenteger. “I would say I would be surprised if we did, but it’s hard to say at this time.”
It’s also unlikely that there will be a public meeting, as they believe they met with enough people during the three days, and helped get the ball rolling for filling out applications.
For those who visited the centre and filled out an application, Hilsenteger said PDAP will gather additional information from eligible claimants, and send out adjusters and/or engineers to assess the damage and determine repairs that are required to return buildings back to pre-disaster condition.
“PDAP will then work with claimants to determine the level of financial assistance available, and to get assistance out to claimants to help with repairs and recovery as soon as possible,” he said.
Those with flood damage who couldn’t attend the centre can obtain an application and additional information from the City of Estevan, or they can contact PDAP at 1-866-632-4033.
Hilsenteger noted that PDAP does not replace or supplement home or business property insurance. It is intended to provide financial assistance for damage to property that cannot be covered by private insurance, or where insurance on that property is not available at a reasonable cost.
“PDAP is meant to help provide for the essentials of life, not lifestyle, and may not cover all losses due to natural disasters,” he said. “Assistance is provided to return property to pre-disaster condition only.”
PDAP does not cover damages for insurable losses, regardless of whether insurance was purchased. It also does not cover efforts to mitigate future damage, or upgrades to homes.
