Windsor mayor Drew Dilkens is calling for help from the provincial government after the ‘largest single flood event’ in Windsor’s history.
As of Noon Friday, the city had received reports of 4,593 homes with flooded basements after heavy rain hit the city Monday night and Tuesday.
How does this week's rainfall compare to last year's "1 in 100 year storm?" This @CTVWindsor graph gives you a good idea. pic.twitter.com/JlCFMeRRtr
— Manny Paiva (@paivathewayCTV) September 1, 2017
A team from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs is expected in Windsor on Tuesday to look at the damage and then decide if residents here can qualify for help under the Disaster Recovery Assistance For Ontarians Program
“It’s really the only program that’s available,” says Dilkens. “It’s not the program where people are going to get rich, there are eligible costs for every type of item and there are certain exclusions.”
At a news conference on Thursday, Dilkens defended city spending on infrastructure, saying they spent $273 million between 2009-2016 on new sewers.
Dilkens say he's going to ask council to fully fund the downspout disconnection program. Before this week's storm, it was only funded at 80 per cent.
There will be special garbage collection Friday to Sunday and the depot will accept debris for free.
Tecumseh mayor Gary McNamara says the town has 150 affected homes.
“Rain doesn't know boundaries,” says McNamara.
He says all municipalities should work together on infrastructure improvements.
Premier Kathleen Wynne did pledge to help in a tweet:
In the face of terrible flooding in Windsor, we are ready to work with the city and do everything we can to help. Stay safe!
— Kathleen Wynne (@Kathleen_Wynne) August 30, 2017
