Final payment to assist Bridgewater with 2003 flood costs announced

September 10, 2009

TRURO, NOVA SCOTIA — The Honourable Peter Van Loan, Minister of Public Safety, today announced that the Government of Canada provided a final payment of $7.5 million to the Province of Nova Scotia, under the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA), to assist with costs incurred as a result of major flooding that happened in Nova Scotia in 2003. The Minister made the announcement following a visit to Truro Fire Service, whose firefighters helped with flood relief efforts in 2003.

“Bridgewater experienced significant damage due to the storm,” MP Gerald Keddy. “These funds will help the town of Bridgewater offset the costs incurred due to the flood. Clearly, this government has shown its commitment to communities affected by natural disasters.”

On March 31, 2003, unprecedented rainfall combined with spring runoff, caused significant flooding in Nova Scotia. This resulted in extensive damage to provincial, municipal and private property.  Floodwaters washed out roads and severely damaged a number of bridges.  Several communities were affected including Bridgewater. The province claimed $208,196 for damages to the town.

“This final payment of more than $7.5 million clearly demonstrates this Government’s commitment to helping Canadians when natural disasters strike,” said Minister Van Loan.  “This brings the total federal contribution for the 2003 floods to over $21 million. Once again, by working collaboratively with the provinces, we have made a difference in helping ensure that communities can make a full recovery when faced with natural disasters.”

Minster Van Loan also announced the Government of Canada will share the cost of eligible provincial expenditures for damages caused by heavy rains in August of 2008 when a low pressure system resulted in heavy rains in many areas between August 29 and August 31, 2008 in many parts of Nova Scotia. In this instance overland flooding caused damages to public infrastructure, including roads, culverts, bridges, and provincial park infrastructure as well as private property such as driveways and basements.

“Our federal government is dedicated to helping communities like Bridgewater in the event of a natural disaster,” Keddy said. “The federal contribution to assist communities with disaster relief will help many Nova Scotians.”

DFAA shares the burden of costs from disasters that are too great for a province or territory to manage on its own.  For more information on the DFAA program and guidelines, please visit the website www.publicsafety.gc.ca.