GNWT Announces Approach to Disaster Assistance in Hay River and K’atlodeeche First Nation

June 28, 2022

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has announced how it will approach its disaster assistance to residents, small businesses, and local authorities in the Town of Hay River (THR) and on the K’atl’odeeche First Nation (KFN) reserve. Both communities experienced significant damage and/or loss caused by the 2022 spring flood.

Due to the unprecedented level of damage sustained, the GNWT will provide additional support to impacted residents and businesses. This means that in addition to providing assistance consistent with the Disaster Assistance Policy (DAP) and the Ministerial Disaster Assistance Funding Policy (DAFP), an exception is being granted. Eligible claims over $240,000 will be reimbursed at 100% for the first $240,000 and at 50% for the remainder of the claim.

Those with eligible claims may also receive an additional $75,000 for pre-approved mitigation measures, over and above their eligible claim amount.

Repairs and replacement of property damaged by flooding, on the KFN Reserve, will be reimbursed under the federal Emergency Management Assistance Program. The GNWT will work closely with KFN leadership and administration to coordinate flood recovery efforts on the reserve. This will involve collaboration with the Government of Canada through Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada as well as Indigenous Services Canada.

It is important for residents and small businesses to register with Municipal and Community Affairs as soon as possible and review the NWT Financial Disaster Assistance Handbooks for guidance on what is eligible for disaster assistance and how to apply. The deadline to submit claims for disaster assistance is December 31, 2023. This will provide two full construction seasons for the repair work to be completed.

There are many other details involved in the GNWT response and people are encouraged to review MACA’s website dedicated to the recovery where we will keep up-to-date information on the overall approach, including a list of Frequently Asked Questions: https://www.maca.gov.nt.ca/en/services/flood-recovery.

Quote(s)

“The Town of Hay River and the K’atlodeeche First Nation have experienced never-before-seen flooding, which has resulted in an unprecedented amount of damage to homes, buildings, and other structures and assets. The GNWT is here to support residents who have nowhere else to turn for support, as they look to recover from this devastating disaster.”

– Shane Thompson, Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs

Quick facts

• Disaster assistance is not intended to provide full compensation.
• This assistance is intended to restore to pre-disaster condition only and is limited to essential items only.
• Assistance is not paid if damages or loss is eligible under any other program.
• Assistance is not provided when the damage or loss could have been covered by insurance which was readily available at a reasonable cost.

Related links

• Municipal and Community Affairs – Flood Recovery
• NWT Disaster Financial Assistance Handbook – Residents
• NWT Disaster Financial Assistance Handbook – Small Businesses and Non-profit Organizations

For media requests, please contact:

Jay Boast

Senior Communications and Planning Officer

Department of Municipal and Community Affairs

Government of the Northwest Territories

Jay_Boast@gov.nt.ca

(867) 767-9162 ext. 21044

Backgrounder:

backgrounder_-_dap_approach_to_2022_spring_flood_maca_2122-826_ak_2._.pdf

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