Mayor Watson requests province to designate city as area specifically affected by natural disaster

Mayor Jim Watson has made a request to Premier Doug Ford to designate the city of Ottawa as an area specifically impacted by a natural disaster, following last month's significant storm.

In a letter to Premier Ford, Watson said this designation will provide residents access to the 'Provincial Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians' program.

Watson also acknowledged property devastation, tree loss, and damage to the local hydro network as a result of the storm was unprecedented.

Letter from @JimWatsonOttawa to @fordnation re: Provincial Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ottawa. pic.twitter.com/KXCbyBh43u

— Glen Gower (@glengower) June 10, 2022

Cumberland Coun. Catherine Kitts put forward a motion during a council meeting on Wednesday, June 8 calling on Watson to make the request to Ford. She said while city crews are working around the clock to clear debris from public areas, they are unable to access private property.

Kitts feels the additional support would be beneficial as many residents are learning their insurance doesn't cover debris removal if a tree didn't damage their vehicle or home.

“In some cases, trees are still kind of hanging in very precarious positions,” Kitts told The Sam Laprade Show with guest host Derick Fage on Friday, June 10. “You would need an arborist to come in, it's not safe to do it on your own, and people are being quoted several thousand dollars.”

She adds extra relief from the province is needed since the City does not have the increased financial contribution residents are looking for.

Listen to the full interview with Coun. Catherine Kitts below: