The deadline for homeowners in designated flood fringes to obtain municipal work permits has been extended to March 31, 2014.

As Alberta continues to recover and rebuild from the June floods, residents living in flood fringe areas who applied to the Disaster Recovery Program now have an additional three months to get work permits for mitigation projects from their local municipality. Some homeowners faced delays in obtaining permits that were out of their control, and it became clear that extending the deadline would better serve those living in the flood fringe.

If flood fringe homeowners are still unable to obtain work permits by the new deadline, a letter of intent to the DRP stating they plan to undertake mitigation repairs will be accepted. In the case of flood fringe rebuilds, including mitigation measures in a work plan will also be recognized as intent to mitigate. In either case, permits must still be acquired.

Flood mitigation must be undertaken by residents of the flood fringe to qualify for government assistance in a future flood. Obtaining permits or stating intent to mitigate by March 31, 2014 will ensure DRP flood coverage in the event of a 2014 flood. Mitigation work must be completed by December 31, 2014 to be eligible for funding after that date.

To assist affected residents with the permitting process, the province will send out a Homeowner’s Mitigation Package in the New Year, which includes:

• an overview of the DRP permit process;
• flood mitigation forms to submit once work is complete;
• contact information to receive assistance;
• a list of municipal offices; and,
• information on hiring a contractor and home inspector.

Impacted Albertans should work with contractors to ensure they’re meeting the minimum mitigation requirements for living in the flood fringe.

To date, the Redford Government has provided more than $27 million to help flood-impacted Albertans recover. Extending the mitigation work permit deadline ensures qualified residents in the flood fringe can make the most informed decisions to best protect their families and homes.

Under the Building Alberta Plan, our government is investing in families and communities, living within our means, and opening new markets for Alberta’s resources to ensure we’re able to fund the services Albertans told us matter most to them. We will continue to deliver the responsible change Albertans voted for.