City OKs $1,000 grants for flood damage

The city will give $1,000 to every victim of last month's severe storm and provide additional money to homeowners denied insurance because of past floods.

Council approved the compassionate aid program yesterday, but rejected a proposal to investigate further compensation for other residents' uninsured damages.

The expanded compensation program, pitched by councillors Chad Collins and Sam Merulla, failed in a 9-6 vote.

Mayor Fred Eisenberger, who wanted to stick with the basic compassionate program recommended by staff, said he believes council approved the appropriate level of help for the community.

"We've got to set some boundaries," Eisenberger said.

The $1,000 grant is up from $750 the city has offered victims of past floods.

Eisenberger argued it would be unfair to raise expectations by asking staff to study more aid, only to turn it down later because of costs.

"I don't think we can lead people down that path."

But Collins said the mayor and councillors who voted against investigating additional compensation have failed flood victims.

"When people turn to government for help in times of need, we need to find ways to help them, not excuses."

Last week, the majority of council was poised to pass Collins' motion for expanded grants. Three councillors, who argued his plan was a blank cheque, left the meeting, preventing the vote.

More councillors attended yesterday's meeting, swinging the vote. Councillor Terry Whitehead, who spoke in favour of Collins' motion last week and asked the city to pay out more for past flood damage, changed his position.

After talking to affected residents, Whitehead said he believes the city would be wiser to spend the money on infrastructure upgrades.

Glanbrook Councillor David Mitchell was the only one to vote against the basic grants program. He said he was concerned the city couldn't separate out residents who took no action to protect their homes from flooding.