Flood Relief & Financial Assistance Guide for Homeowners in St. Catharines & Niagara Falls (2026)
Flood Relief & Financial Assistance Guide
for Homeowners in St. Catharines & Niagara Falls (2026)
Recent flooding has affected hundreds of homeowners across St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, and communities throughout the Niagara Region. If your home has experienced basement flooding, sewer backup, or water damage, you may qualify for financial assistance, insurance support, or municipal rebate programs.
This guide outlines official government resources that may help you recover.
1. Contact Your Insurance Company Immediately
If your home has been flooded:
Document all damage with photos and videos.
Save receipts for emergency cleanup and temporary accommodations.
Do not dispose of damaged materials until instructed by your insurance company unless required for health and safety.
Keep estimates and invoices from licensed contractors.
Many insurance policies provide coverage for water damage or sewer backup depending on your policy.
2. Ontario Disaster Recovery Assistance (DRAO)
The Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program may provide financial assistance when the Province of Ontario officially activates the program following a significant natural disaster.
Eligible homeowners may receive assistance for:
Emergency cleanup
Essential home repairs
Structural damage
Replacement of essential household items
Emergency living expenses
Please note that DRAO is only available when the Province officially designates an affected area after a qualifying disaster.
Official Ontario Resources
3. City of St. Catharines Flood Assistance
The City of St. Catharines offers programs to help reduce future basement flooding through its Flood Alleviation Program (FLAP).
Eligible homeowners may receive rebates for:
Backwater valves
Sump pumps
Flood prevention improvements
Eligible installation costs
Residents experiencing flooding should also report it to the City as soon as possible.
Official Resources
4. City of Niagara Falls
If you live in Niagara Falls and have experienced flooding:
Contact your insurance provider immediately.
Report flooding to the City if municipal infrastructure may have contributed.
Monitor City announcements for emergency relief programs or recovery assistance should additional funding become available.
Municipal and provincial announcements may be issued as recovery efforts continue.
5. Wonder Bros Contracting Can Help
Wonder Bros Contracting provides complete flood restoration services throughout:
St. Catharines
Niagara Falls
Thorold
Welland
Fonthill
Fort Erie
Grimsby
Lincoln
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Hamilton and surrounding communities
Our services include:
Emergency flood cleanup
Water damage restoration
Demolition
Framing
Drywall installation and repair
Flooring replacement
Painting
Basement renovations
Licensed plumbing coordination
Direct communication with insurance companies
We are fully registered, fully insured, and WSIB covered, providing fast emergency response and complete restoration from demolition to final finishes.
Need Help?
If your basement has been damaged by flooding, contact Wonder Bros Contracting for a free assessment. We work directly with homeowners and insurance companies to help restore your home quickly, professionally, and with as little stress as possible.
Disclaimer: Government assistance programs, rebates, and disaster recovery funding are subject to eligibility requirements and may only be available after official activation by the Province or municipality. Please refer to the official government resources above for the most current information.