1.
What is included in the one-time financial assistance?
The Government of Ontario is providing one-time financial assistance to residents of Caledonia who have been most directly impacted by the former road blockades and the continuing presence of protesters at the Douglas Creek lands. Financial assistance to affected residents is as follows:
- $6,000 each for approximately 20 homes in Area 1A, considered to be the most impacted area. These are households on both sides of 6th Line between Argyle Street South and Oneida Road; the east side of Oneida Road between 6th Line and Sterling Street; Sterling Street between the rail line and Oneida Road; and both sides of Argyle Street South, south of the location of the former road block and Highway 6.
- $3,000 each for approximately 80 homes in Area 1B, considered to be a very impacted area. These are households abutting the Southern Ontario Railway corridor on MacCrae Drive and Braemar Avenue; households on Thistlemoor Drive abutting the Douglas Creek lands and two residences on Thistlemoor backing on to the Notre Dame school; and households on the west side of Argyle Street South between Celtic Drive and the area north of the former road block.
- $2,000 each for approximately 35 households in Area 1C, across the street, on Thistlemoor Drive and Braemar Avenue.
2. Why is the Province of Ontario providing financial assistance?
The Government recognizes that there are individuals and families who are most directly impacted by the presence of protesters on the Douglas Creek lands and wants to help residents deal with this challenge.
3. How do I know if I am eligible?
In order to be considered eligible by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, households must:
- Be located in Areas 1A, 1B or 1C; and
- Have resided in Areas 1A, 1B or 1C on June 16, 2006, the date of the announcement of financial assistance.
4. I am a non-resident owner of property in Areas 1A or 1B or 1C. Can I apply for financial assistance?
Only those who resided in one of the areas indicated are eligible to apply for financial assistance.
5. Is there a provision for my property to be bought out?
No. This program does not include a property purchase provision.
6. How soon will I get my money?
Once your application is approved, you will be notified by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH), Southwestern Municipal Services Office. Payment will be processed by the County of Haldimand on behalf of the Province of Ontario. It is expected that you can pick up your cheque directly from the Haldimand County suboffice located at 282 Argyle Street South in Caledonia within 7 to 10 days of receipt of a confirmation letter from MMAH.
7. What is the deadline to submit a claim form?
The deadline to submit the application for financial assistance is April 10, 2007.
8. Will my claim be audited?
Any financial assistance received is subject to provincial audit. Please retain all of your supporting documentation.
9. I am taking part in the Caledonia class action suit. Can I still submit an application for financial assistance?
Yes, you can submit an application. Any financial assistance to households most directly affected by the presence of protesters on the Douglas Creek lands shall be deducted from any damage award made by the Courts if you are successful with the class action suit.
10. I have already submitted an application for the Emergency Financial Relief Program for local businesses. Can I still submit an application for financial assistance for households?
Yes, you can apply if you meet the criteria for eligibility, i.e., if you were a resident of the affected area on June 16, 2006.
11. Is each member of a household eligible for assistance?
Payments will be calculated on a per household basis.
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