Updated: province offers financial assistance for residents hit by October’s atmospheric river

The province has expanded disaster relief for residents affected by the three-day storm that swept across the province last October.

Initially limited to Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam, residents of Port Moody and Anmore can now also apply for Disaster Financial Assistance, which can cover costs like building repairs, fixtures and furnishings, as well as wells, pumps, sewer connections.

Homeowners, tenants, small business owners, farmers, and charitable organizations can apply for DFA.

The fund is meant to help with “sudden, unexpected, and uninsurable losses,” and covers 80 percent of total damage less $1,000.

For instance, the province might pay $3,000 to a homeowner who claimed $5,000 to replace an appliance. The maximum DFA payout is $400,000.

If there is a choice between repair and replacement, the payout would be based on the less expensive option.

The province will also pay for a maximum of 100 hours of labour for cleanup and debris removal.

A resident can make multiple claims if, for example, they suffered losses to their home and their business.

North Shore and Surrey residents can also apply for the fund.

Applications must be submitted within 90 days.

The province will not pay claims for damage to hot tubs, decorative landscaping, jewellery, artwork, books, and drainage that was inadequate due to lack of maintenance.

Coquitlam engineering staff described the atmospheric river as a once-in-200-year event.

Over the course of 24 hours, the city was pelted with approximately 254 millimetres of rain – two-and-a-half times more than the city recorded during the 2021 atmospheric river.

Washed-out roads, debris blockages and downed power lines created additional challenges, with firefighters getting to the scene of a mudslide on foot.

Two Tri-Cities residents died during the storm.

Aspenwood Elementary teacher Sonia McIntyre was killed after a Quarry Road mudslide overwhelmed her home. She was 57.

Robert Belding, 59, likely died after slipping into the Coquitlam River while trying to save a dog.