The Alberta Emergency Management Agency is encouraging municipalities to begin applications for the Disaster Recovery Program
As a response to the ongoing wildfire situation in Alberta, the Alberta Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) is encouraging impacted municipalities to begin applications for the Disaster Recovery Program (DRP). While details of how and when financial assistance will become available in different areas of the province is still being determined, more localized information is expected in the coming weeks. Beginning to fill in the DRP application will allow municipalities to track eligible costs as they are incurred and will allow for a more efficient process when funding support is officially announced.
The RMA has also received additional information from the Government of Alberta (GOA) related to funding:
- The localized nature of the wildfires across the province creates a challenge in the current approval process and application timelines for DRP financial assistance. The AEMA recognizes that a flexible approach will be essential in ensuring that effected communities are supported. While the DRP application process includes a 30-day municipal application deadline from the disaster event start date, the GOA has emphasized that adhering to this deadline is likely unrealistic given the ongoing nature of the fires, and that they will pursue a flexible approach in terms of application timelines. They have emphasized that not meeting the 30-day deadline will not disqualify an impacted municipality from accessing funding.
- In addition to the DRP, the Municipal Wildfire Assistance Program (MWAP) is also available as a potential financial support program for impacted communities outside of the Forest Protection Area. At this point, the GOA has not determined if and how the DRP and/or MWAP will be used to support recovery costs in different localized areas. The GOA recommends that all municipalities use the DRP application form, and if MWAP funding is ultimately used in a specific municipality, AEMA will provide support in adapting the application as needed.
The DRP application can be accessed through the Disaster Financial Assistance and Recovery Support webpage under Municipal and Metis Settlement DRP Application. Please note that the application may not load in a web browser and may need to be downloaded directly to a desktop.
The RMA Wildfire Assistance Program Guide 2023 provides an overview of financial assistance available.
For specific questions about program eligibility, application processes, etc., members are encouraged to contact the AEMA by phone at 1-888-671-1111 or by email at drp.info@gov.ab.ca. Members can also contact an AEMA regional office for questions about local conditions. The RMA will share additional provincewide information with members as it becomes available.
Kallie Wischoff
Policy Advisor
855.319.2245
kallie@RMAlberta.com
Wyatt Skovron
Manager of Policy & Advocacy
780.955.4096
wyatt@RMAlberta.com