Residents in the Calabogie region, which was damaged during the storm two weeks ago, met with provincial and municipal officials Monday hoping for help rebuilding their homes — but not everyone came away with the answers they were looking for.

The Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program has a public component, whereby the province aids municipalities in rebuilding public infrastructure such as roads.

But there is also a component for private property, where funds raised by the community can be matched by the province to help individuals, farms, businesses or non-profit organizations in need.

Examples of eligible private losses and costs under ODRAP:

  • Restoration, repair or replacement to pre-disaster condition of a principal, year-round residence, farm buildings and principal business enterprise building.
  • Essential furnishing of a private residence, including refrigerator, freezer, furnace, stove, clothes washer and dryer.
  • Tools or other items essential to the claimant’s livelihood, including farm machinery and equipment.
  • For farms, replacement cost only of orchard trees.
  • For business enterprises, replacement of inventory at cost.
  • Livestock fencing.
  • Restoration, repair or replacement to pre-disaster condition of churches, cemeteries, and other facili­ties of not-for-profit organizations, charities and service clubs.
  • Emergency expenses (e.g. evacuation costs, food and shelter, generators, essential clothing).
  • Perishable food.

Examples of ineligible private losses and costs under ODRAP:

  • Losses covered by insurance.
  • Insurance deductible.
  • Secondary residences, like cottages.
  • Non-essential furniture, like stereos or recreation room furniture.
  • Landscaping, fencing, driveways and retaining walls.
  • Recreational vehicles, like boats or snowmobiles.
  • Antiques and collections.
  • Loss of revenue or wages.
  • Losses recoverable by law.

The Township of Greater Madawaska declared a disaster last week, providing hope to some residents that they get relief from the province through the program.

At the meeting hosted by Ontario's Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, residents were told they'd only be covered if they were permanent residents and then only for structural damage to homes.

Area resident Dave Anderson said he left the meeting disappointed.

"It's pretty disappointing right now just because we're on a private road. We're not gonna get the help we need," he said.

Residents who were forced from their homes are also concerned about how long the process will take.

"I made it out with a duffle bag of clothing for myself and my two children. I'm a single mother," said Beatrice Fleming.

Fleming said the home is no longer safe and her insurance won't pay for all the repairs and will only cover rent elsewhere for the next few months.

"After Jan. 1, I have no idea what's going to happen, no idea. So the unknown is definitely very scary," she said.

Insurance first option, says ministry

Warren Sleeth, a manager of the local government unit with the ministry, said the expectation for private owners is that insurance is their first line of defence against damage.

"The expectation is that the homeowner would work through their insurance. What's left over, what's not covered is the amount of money that the municipality could then contemplate asking the province for some assistance," said Sleeth.

The municipality has until Aug. 13 to submit an estimate of total damages to the province. Provincial officials will then determine just how much they can cover.

Greater Madawaska Mayor Peter Emon said the township has already spent $90,000 on damages and said the final bill could come in at 10 times that amount.

While he understands the frustrations of residents, he said there are limits to what the municipality can do.

"I don't think the municipality is a position to offer a service where we go to someone's house and chop up what's on their land," he said.