2026 Rainstorms Compassionate Grant

The grant does not cover every cost related to flooding.

Ineligible costs include:

• non-essential furniture, such as stereos
• landscaping, fencing, driveways or retaining walls
• recreational vehicles, such as boats
• antiques and collections
• lost wages, rental income or other lost revenue
• personal injury
• private roads or bridges
• erosion

The maximum grant is $2,000.

The amount of your grant will be based on the lowest of:

• $2,000
• your insurance deductible
• your actual eligible costs and expenses

For example, if your eligible expenses are $1,200, you may receive up to $1,200. If your eligible expenses are $4,000 and your insurance deductible is $2,500, you may receive up to $2,000.

The grant is intended to cover eligible costs and expenses that are not covered by insurance.

Flooding can damage homes, essential household items and other belongings. It can also result in unexpected expenses.

Depending on eligibility, the grant may help with costs related to:

• cleaning up and repairing flood damage to your home to return it to its pre-flooding condition
• replacing parts of your home damaged by flooding, such as flooring or walls, to return them to their pre-flooding condition
• removing debris when needed for safety or access
• replacing essential household items damaged by flooding, such as refrigerators, freezers, furnaces, stoves, washers and dryers
• replacing clothing
• replacing tools or other items needed for your livelihood
• emergency expenses, including evacuation costs, food and shelter
• perishable food
• your insurance deductible

You will need to complete an application and provide information to support your claim.

Basic application requirements include:

• proof of ownership or tenancy
• proof of losses experienced due to flooding
• insurance information
• receipts and invoices
• photographs
• other supporting documents

Keep your receipts, invoices, photographs and other records related to the flooding and your eligible costs. Receipts and invoices will be required for reimbursement up to the grant amount.

• Only one application can be submitted for each residential property.
• If a property is rented, both the owner and tenant may be eligible to apply where they have eligible expenses.
• Before grant funds can be paid, applicants must sign a Full and Final Release. The Release will relate specifically to the grant.
• The grant is being provided on compassionate grounds only and is not to be construed as an admission of liability on the part of the City of Hamilton.
• If you receive a grant and later receive compensation for the same damage or loss through a claim settlement, the grant amount will be deducted to prevent the same loss from being paid twice.
• Residents who are currently in litigation with the City are not eligible for the grant.

Applications will be reviewed against the eligibility requirements approved by Council. Applicants will be asked to provide documentation to support their eligible losses and expenses.

Funding is available for eligible costs that meet the program requirements.