Ontario launches flood response for Lincoln and St. Catharines

Heavy rainstorms in early August dumped more than 170 mm of water in Lincoln and over 140 mm in St. Catharines, prompting a state of emergency in both communities. Premier Doug Ford and MPP Sam Oosterhoff visited the sites, while local officials, including Mayor Mat Siscoe, called for provincial and federal assistance.

The provincial government activated the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre to work with municipal teams, deployed the Ontario Corps volunteer initiative, and began outreach through the Ministry of Emergency Preparedness and Response. Residents may apply for the Disaster Recovery Assistance Program, which can cover up to 90 % of eligible cleanup and repair costs, with a maximum of $250,000 per claim.

Ontario’s Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is reviewing uninsured losses for possible aid, and Public Safety Canada noted no formal federal request has been received. Flooding also impacted nearby Niagara‑on‑the‑Lake and the Town of Lincoln, affecting homes, farms, vineyards and commercial properties.