CANORA – The Canora Curling Rink was the site of the Flood Help Information Seminar hosted by the Town of Canora, “for those affected by recent flooding in the Town of Canora and all surrounding communities to connect with agency representatives to help fil out paperwork, explain the application process for claims (including explaining required documents) and checking status on claims.”
Agencies represented at the July 16-17 seminar included PDAP (Provincial Disaster Assistance Program), Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, the Water Security Agency, SGI, and the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation.
Also in attendance was Brandi Zavislak, Canora Community Development Officer and Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) Officer, who said that Canora was the only community in the region with an EMO plan prior to the flood. Kelly Sawchuk, Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (PSA) Emergency Officer, said this was important in Canora’s quick and effective response.
“We met with the town and they did very well,” said Sawchuk, “bringing in vac trucks to help with the sewer lift station, as well as bringing in barricades and Porta Potties.”
Zavislak said there were 14 other area communities without EMO plans prior to the flood, so organizers were expecting affected individuals and groups from across the region to attend the two-day seminar. With that in mind, Zavislak said she was in discussions with PSA members about possibly becoming the regional EMO Officer.
PDAP officials were busy at the Canora seminar, helping those in attendance to find out if they are eligible for assistance with “helping cover the cost of uninsurable essential losses, cleanup, repairs and temporary relocation.”
Jeff Lozinsky, PDAP Director of Finance, reminds everyone that, “we’re here to help.”
Originally from Endeavour, Lozinsky said this year’s flood brings back memories of the flood of 2010, adding “it’s too early to tell which was worse.”
“This year’s flood, we’re hearing stories of flooding in lots of basements and buildings, many cases up to four feet, sometimes as high as eight feet,” he said. “We are helping people fill out the necessary forms.”
Lozinsky added that quick response after a flood like this is critical, which most people did across the area.
“They used sump pumps, dehumidifiers, and where necessary, called friends. There was a lot of community involvement, which is great to see.
“Once the water gets up around two feet, chances are there’s going to be damage to things like water heaters, furnaces, freezers and fridges.”
The Saskatchewan Health Authority was represented at the seminar. Jonathan Tieszen said their main focus is to help people with cleanup and safety after the flood.
“Floods like this leave problems such as water buildup, mould and contaminated wells,” said Tieszen.
Detailed information from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health is available on:
- Cleaning up after a flood;
- Returning home and back to business; and
- A guide for preparing for future floods.
Flooding creates all kinds of physical challenges to deal with, but at a time like this it’s vital to look after everyone’s mental health.
The most important thing to remember is to call 9-1-1 if there is an emergency or someone is in immediate danger according to information provided at the seminar.
24/7 Support – When you need someone to listen
- Fire, Police, Ambulance: 9-1-1
- Saskatchewan Health Line: 8-1-1
- Suicide Crisis Line: 9-8-8 (call or text)
- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or Chat Online at kidshelpphone.ca
- Text CONNECT to 686868 for text counselling// Text HOME to 686868 to connect with a crisis responder
- Hope for Wellness (Indigenous Peoples): Phone 1-855-242-3310 (Available in English or native languages) or chat with a live counsellor online at: hopeforwellness.ca
- Talking Stick Saskatchewan: Chat online at: my.talkingstick.app OR download the app Talking Stick – Indigenous available on Google Play (Android) or in the App Store (Apple)
- Counselling Connect Saskatchewan: Book an appointment on line at: counsellingconnectsask.ca
- Metis Nation-Saskatchewan Mental Health & Addictions Supports: Call for referral to covered services. 1-855-671-5638 / After hours: 1-877-767-7572
- Caring Hearts: Counselling for grief, loss and trauma that works closely with First Nation communities in Sask. Phone: 306-523-2780 or Email: contactus@caringheartssk.ca
- SIGN Kamsack Family Resource Centre: Phone: 306-542-1010
- North Sask Victims Services: Helping the victims of crime and traumatic events. Phone: 306-688-8201
- Strongest Families Institute (SFI): Providing families mental health services focusing on emotional well-being and resilience. Phone: 1-866-470-7111 or visit their website for more information: strongestfamilies.com
- Canora Health & Wellness Centre: Phone: 306-563-5557. 1219 Main Street, Canora, SK.
www.saskhealthauthority.ca/news-events/news/canora-and-preeceville-health-care-clinics-offereing-walk-services.
The Water Safety Agency was represented at the seminar. Information provided indicated the WSA “is responsible for managing Saskatchewan’s resources. Our job is to ensure safe, clean and reliable water for people, communities, agriculture, industry and the environment.”
SGI Canada participated in the seminar, and Keary Kwasny said they have been extremely busy working on claims.
“There are a lot of people across the region who were affected by the flooding,” said Kwasny. “We have a contractor network but they’re all extremely busy so we’re trying to cast a wider net to bring in more contractors from further away, but that’s a challenge.”
Kwasny and other SGI staff members were busy helping attendees at the seminar with filling out forms, as well as understanding the terminology involved. For example:
Overland Water means water that accumulates upon or submerges land which is usually dry resulting from:
- The unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source, including torrential rainfall or rapid snow melt; or
- The rising of, breaking out or the overflow of any body of fresh water.
Sewer Back-up means the sudden and accidental backing up or escape of water or sewage within your dwelling or detached private structure through a:
- Sewer on your premises
- Septic system on your premises
- Sump located within your dwelling or detached private structure on your premises; or
- Drain located within or on your dwelling or detached private structures on your premises.
Jody Eyolfson of the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation in Canora for the seminar, and said it was still too early to assess the crop damage from the flooding. Crop insurance information indicates that coverage is available for unseeded acreage due to excessive spring moisture, as well as for delayed seeding.
For further guidance on flood recovery efforts and available supports, please email the Recovery Task Team (RTT): rtt.gov.sk.ca.
On the last day, Zavislak said the seminar has been valuable and helpful. She said that PDAP officials were helping residents who’ve met frustration seeking other help from other places, getting them registered in their systems.
“It’s been so valuable for our residents who have been in distress.”
The EMO officer also encouraged people with questions to contact the town office. She said there’s been some information spreading around that’s not correct. One example is the size of sewer pipes. They are 15-inches wide and approved by engineers, she said.
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