The Canadian Red Cross and the City of Calgary are working together on Flood Permit Grant Program to assist residential property owners still facing financial challenges repairing, restoring or rebuilding their homes after the June 2013 floods.
Launched on May 1, 2014, the program will cover the costs of new permits required to restore properties.
The first step for Calgarians interested in applying for the program is to contact the Red Cross at 1-866-696-6484. All calls are confidential. The Red Cross will work with each applicant to discuss their unique situation, and complete an assessment to determine their program eligibility.
While the program is not retroactive, the Red Cross recognizes many families are still struggling to meet their needs since the floods and other assistance might be identified as part of the assessment. Canadian Red Cross can offer help with such items as mortgage, rent and utility payments, as well as household goods, medical, food, school and occupational supplies.
The average permit cost associated with repairing a flood-affected home is approximately $750, and can include moving an electrical panel or installing a new furnace. Permits to demolish and rebuild a home can run between $4,000 and $7,000, depending on size.
Up to $7,000 in permit assistance per property is available to eligible families.