Government of Yukon
Government
FOR RELEASE #07-180
August 31, 2007
2007 Yukon Flood Relief Initiative to Assist Flood Victims
WHITEHORSE – Premier Dennis Fentie announced today the 2007 Yukon Flood Relief Initiative to provide access to financial assistance for property owners whose dwellings have suffered damage from record high water levels in the Southern Lakes, Lake Laberge and Liard River regions.
"Mitigation efforts led by the Yukon government were focused on preventing or minimizing damage to properties," Fentie said. "The Flood Relief Initiative has been developed to assist property owners to make their dwellings safe and comfortable once again."
"Through this initiative government will also address water quality concerns related to public health," Minister of Health and Social Services Brad Cathers said. "We want to ensure the safety of septic systems, water wells and water tanks for the benefit of property owners and the eco-system."
The 2007 Yukon Flood Relief Initiative provides two financial assistance methods based on the normal use of the property. Grants will be available to repair flood related damage to principal residences and interest-free loans up to $35,000 will be available to repair flood related damage on recreational dwellings.
"Recognizing that flood insurance is not readily available and considering the number of properties impacted, the Flood Relief Initiative was created to help Yukoners who have suffered hardship from this natural catastrophe," Southern Lakes MLA Patrick Rouble said.
The Yukon Flood Relief Initiative is available to help property owners with damages resulting from high water including flooring and wall repairs, other structural damage that may pose hazards for occupants, and structural improvements to protect dwellings from future flood damage.
In coming months, Yukon government will be examining what can be done to mitigate the impacted areas from future flood threats.
"I encourage affected property owners to also consider what they can do to protect their property investments from future flood events," Minister Responsible for Yukon Housing Corporation Jim Kenyon said. "Structural upgrades that will prevent future impacts from high water situations are also eligible through this funding initiative."
Yukon Housing Corporation is providing and delivering the 2007 Yukon Flood Relief Initiative. More information is available from the Yukon government website http://www.gov.yk.ca/ or at Yukon Housing Corporation’s offices at 410-H Jarvis St. in Whitehorse.
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Contact:
Roxanne Vallevand Doug Caldwell
Cabinet Communications
(867) 633-7949
roxanne.vellevand@gov.yk.ca
Communications, Yukon Housing Corp.
(867) 667-8065
doug.caldwell@gov.yk.ca