Despite feeling sympathy for the victims of flooding in Haldimand County, Guelph-Eramosa council is opposed to providing a financial contribution to assist with disaster relief in the municipality.
Located on the north shore of Lake Erie, southeast of Brantford, portions of Haldimand County – including Dunnville and Cayuga – were flooded when ice accumulated at the mouth of the Grand River on Feb. 13.
“Homes were destroyed, lives were devastated and families impacted beyond their ability to recover without help,” said Bernie Corbett, chairman of the Haldimand County disaster relief committee, in a letter sent to all Ontario municipalities.
Corbett said estimates of the financial loss are upwards of $1.9-million. So, on behalf of the committee, he is asking each municipality to contribute $250, with all money raised to be matched by the province “on an up to two-to-one ratio.”
But the request received less than a warm reception at last week’s meeting of Guelph-Eramosa council.
“What I’m worried about most with this one is where it ends,” said councillor Doug Breen. He said if the township approves one such request it would likely soon find itself inundated with others.
“I don’t like it,” councillor Roger Knapp added, hinting the problem could have been avoided had homes not been built on the flood plain.
Mayor Chris White agreed with Breen when he stated disaster relief falls outside the mandate of municipal governments.
“Ultimately, this really is the province’s responsibility,” Breen said, adding the federal government could help out as well.
Councillors also seemed confused by the terms of the funding agreement with the province alluded to by Corbett and wondered what will happen if the disaster relief committee raised no money at all.
Council unanimously passed a resolution to receive the request but to take no action. Councillor John Scott was absent.
On Tuesday night, Erin council also decided not to provide any support to Haldimand.
