Flood victims likely to get $750

The city is calling an emergency meeting Thursday to approve a compensation package for flood victims.

Councillors are expected to re-activate a compassionate grant program that would give $750 to all homeowners affected by severe basement flooding on Sunday.

There's also a move to offer additional help to residents who have been cut off by insurance companies after multiple sewer backups.

"People shouldn't have to live this way," said Councillor Sam Merulla, who wants the city to offer full compensation to chronic victims and provide flood insurance until it can fix its infrastructure problems.

By late yesterday, the city had heard from the owners of about 660 of the estimated 1,000 to 1,100 homes affected by flooding.

It's too early to estimate the cost of damage or how much the city will need to pay in grants, said city manager Chris Murray. He expects staff will have a better idea of costs by Thursday. Council will also be given options for compensation.

Since 2005, the city has activated its compassionate grants program nine times, giving out roughly 2,800 grants worth $1.8 million.