Flood damage may top $100m - City appeals to province for disaster help

The city expects it could take up to three months for the province to decide if it will offer financial help for last month's severe flood.

Hamilton submitted its formal application to the Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program on Friday.

"We're hopeful that the province understands there was significant harm and damage," said Mayor Fred Eisenberger. "Any amount of help would be greatly appreciated."

Officials now estimate the July 26 storm caused $50 million to $100 million in damage to homes and businesses. The uninsured cost is believed to be $20 million to $50 million.

The city expects to pay another $12 million for uninsured damage to its own property.

So far, nearly 6,000 flood victims have registered with the city's claims hotline. The number is expected to top 6,500.

If Hamilton is approved for disaster help, the province would offer $2 for every dollar raised in the community for flood victims. As it stands, that doesn't include the compassionate grants approved by council two weeks ago.

The city is giving up to $1,000 to every home affected by the flood. Staff will be reporting back soon on additional compensation for homeowners without insurance because of past floods.