Assessing the Impact of the June 30 Storm: Property Damage Assessment Survey

From John Shymko:

The Municipality of Temagami is asking residents, seasonal property owners, and businesses that experienced property damage during the June 30, 2026 severe wind event to complete our Property Damage Assessment Form.

The purpose of this survey is to help municipal staff prepare a report for Temagami Council’s July 23, 2026 Council Meeting. That report will summarize the extent of private property damage reported by the community and provide Council with the information needed to determine whether to direct staff to request that the Province of Ontario conduct an assessment for possible activation of the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program.

DRAO is a provincial financial assistance program that may provide assistance to eligible homeowners and small businesses for certain essential losses resulting from a sudden natural disaster that are not covered by insurance.

The Province does not automatically activate the program following a storm. Instead, it considers whether the event caused costly and widespread damage, whether there are significant uninsured or underinsured losses, and whether the damage has created a level of financial hardship that may justify provincial assistance. There is no set number of damaged properties or dollar amount that automatically qualifies a community. Each event is assessed on its own merits.

It is also important to understand that DRAO distinguishes between permanent (primary) residences and seasonal or recreational properties. Assistance is intended primarily to help restore essential property that supports normal day-to-day living or business operations. The Province may determine that seasonal or recreational property losses are not eligible for assistance under the program.

We encourage all property owners who sustained damage to complete the survey so the Municipality has an accurate picture of the storm’s impact, so the Council can make informed decisions. At this stage, the Municipality is gathering information, not making promises.

Completing the survey does not constitute an application for financial assistance and does not guarantee that the Province will activate DRAO. Rather, it will help determine whether there is sufficient evidence for staff to recommend that Council request a provincial assessment. If Council directs staff to proceed, the Province will independently review the information and decide whether the program should be activated for all or part of the Municipality.

To allow sufficient time for staff to compile and analyze the information and prepare the Council agenda package, completed surveys must be submitted no later than the end of the day on Friday, July 17, 2026. Submissions received after that date may not be reflected in the report presented to Council.

Even if you have already contacted your insurance company or begun repairs, we encourage you to complete the survey if your property sustained damage. Every response helps us build a more complete picture of the storm’s impact on our community and will help Council make an informed decision.

Please complete the Property Damage Assessment Form here: www.surveymonkey.com/r/9LPVWBG

Thank you for taking the time to assist the Municipality and your fellow property owners by contributing to this important assessment.