West Vancouver homeowners whose basements were flooded when a river of muddy water ran through their neighbourhood following a heavy rainstorm June 14 will be eligible for financial help from the province.
The provincial government announced last week that West Vancouver homeowners whose insurance doesn’t cover flood-related damage can apply to B.C.’s disaster financial assistance fund for help.
The province will also help pay for municipal costs of activating the emergency operations centre during the flood.
A total of 22 homes in the tony Stearman Beach area of West Vancouver were hit with water damage after a flash flood of heavy rain sent debris down Willow Creek, blocking a grate and causing the creek to overflow its banks.
A number of residents in the waterfront area found their basements under several feet of water in the middle of the night, while firefighters temporarily evacuated four homes on Ross Crescent.
Most standard home insurance policies don’t cover water damage from flooding.
The provincial disaster financial assistance program helps to cover damages and financial losses to homeowners in those cases. Homeowners can apply for help for 80 per cent of damage over $1,000, up to a maximum of $300,000.
To be eligible, homeowners must prove the home is their principal residence. The disaster fund doesn’t cover damage to seasonal or recreational properties, hot tubs, pools, luxury goods or recreational items.
Applications must be submitted by Sept. 19.
Following the flood, public works crews cleared debris from Willow and Claymore creeks, said Jeff McDonald, spokesman for the District of West Vancouver.
He added the municipality will be helping residents by compiling information about the flood that homeowners can use to apply to the disaster relief program.
