Town of Lincoln receives provincial response to request for Disaster Recovery Assistance activation
“This outcome is deeply disappointing and raises important questions about whether the current (provincial disaster assistance) program adequately recognizes the circumstances and needs of communities affected by significant flooding.” – Town of Lincoln Chief Administrative Officer Michael Kirkopoulos.
News from the Town of Lincoln in Niagara, Ontario
Posted November 3rd, 2026 on Niagara At Large
Ontario Premier Doug Ford – ‘There is flooding disaster assistance, but not for you.’
Lincoln, ON – The Town of Lincoln’s formal request to the Province of Ontario to consider activating the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program following the recent flooding events in the community has been denied.
In a conversation with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing on October 29, 2026, the Town was informed that the DRAO program will not be implemented in Lincoln due to sufficient local private insurance coverage being available. The Ministry’s review using the criteria of the DRAO program determined that affected community members had adequate insurance and as such, the Town’s request did not meet the program criteria.
Consistent with disaster assistance programs across Canada, the availability of overland flood insurance for residents was a key factor in the decision not to activate the program.
“Needless to say, we are disheartened for every community member who experienced, and many of whom are still experiencing, one of the most difficult times in their lives,” said Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton.
“Our team was relentless in pursuing DRAO activation, through numerous discussions, ample evidence as provided by community members and on-site visits, and continued advocacy efforts including meetings at the AMO conference. The program falls short of supporting communities, and I know that the Town will stay committed to demanding change.”
“This outcome is deeply disappointing and raises important questions about whether the current program adequately recognizes the circumstances and needs of communities affected by significant flooding,” said Chief Administrative Officer Michael Kirkopoulos.
“Our responsibility is to continue advocating for our residents and ensuring their experiences are heard. While the decision is outside the Town’s control, we will continue to press the Province for a review of the program and changes that better reflect the realities communities face during recovery. During community disasters, all available programming supports from upper levels of government should be available.”
The Town’s Request for DRAO Activation
The Town approached the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing in late July 2026 to discuss impacts of the July 21 flood on the Lincoln community. Subsequent conversations continued after the July 28 and August 2 flooding events. The Province then worked with the Town to assess storm-related flood damage and determine whether there are areas where uninsured damage resulting from the overflow of creeks, rivers or lakes may meet the program’s criteria.
The Town worked diligently to ensure the Province had the information needed to assess Lincoln’s situation.
Since July 31, the Town collected detailed information about the impacts experienced across Lincoln, including the areas affected, the timing and severity of flooding, and the ways residents, businesses and properties were impacted. In September the Town hosted the Provincial Disaster Assessment Team in Lincoln to visit 16 different properties to assess DRAO’s eligibility.
Once the Town submitted the available information and formally requested consideration for DRAO, the decision on whether and where to activate the program rested with the Province.
We are grateful to every community member who reported to us on their flooding experiences in through our flood impact form. These submissions helped build the most complete and accurate picture possible of what the Lincoln community has experienced.
Residents affected by flooding are encouraged to continue working with their insurance providers to understand what coverage may be available under their policies. If you are in need of flood-recovery supplies, please call the Town of Lincoln at *905-563-2799 *or e-mail *resources@lincoln.ca* <mailto:resources@lincoln.ca>*.
*A member of Town of Lincoln staff will review your request and contact you to discuss your needs. If supplies are available, they will provide information on pickup arrangements. Please note that supplies are limited and cannot be guaranteed. Delivery may be available for those who require assistance.
Background: Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians
The Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program provides financial assistance to eligible individuals, small businesses, farmers and not-for-profit organizations following certain natural disasters. The program is intended to help with essential property damage and losses where insurance coverage is unavailable.
DRAO is not an ongoing program and is only available when it is activated by the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for an eligible disaster. Activation may be considered when a sudden, unexpected and extraordinary natural disaster causes costly and widespread damage to eligible private property that is not covered by insurance. The program has most often been activated following flooding caused by the overflow of rivers, creeks or lakes, where insurance coverage is not generally available.
DRAO assistance is intended to help restore essential property to a safe and basic condition. For example, basement-related assistance may include eligible cleanup and basic components required to make an area safe, but may not cover the replacement of finished basement features, flooring, furnishings or other non-essential items.
A Brief Footnote from Doug Draper at Niagara Large- Where is Niagara West Fort Government MPP Sam Oosterfoff, whose riding includes the Town of Lincoln, in all of this? I am guessing he only has something to say if his dear leader Doug Ford has gifts to bring to Lincoln and Niagara. Not a word from Oosterhoff on this one.
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