The Yukon government has announced a new program to provide financial relief for those affected by the flooding of the Klondike River in May.

“The Klondike River Valley has seen flooding in the recent past, but nothing as severe as what occurred this year in terms of impacts on people and property,” said Premier Ranj Pillai as he announced the funding last Friday.

Individual homeowners who experienced damage to structures or possessions can apply for up to $250,000 in combined loans and grants, while small businesses and farmers can apply for up to $500,000 in grants.

The money is intended for people who are uninsured or who have uninsurable damages.

“It’s time now, as we promised last month, to help our friends, family and neighbours with disaster assistance,” Pillai said.

The floods came in two rounds in one month, prompting evacuations and road closures both times.

The worst of the damage is in the Rock Creek, Henderson Corner and Dredge Pond subdivisions near Dawson City.

Residential homeowners can get grants to pay for damages to principal residences and property, and loans for secondary residences or outbuildings.

Loans will be offered at zero interest, but are limited to $50,000. The maximum homeowners can receive in combined grants and loans is $250,000.

Any financial relief applied for by businesses and farms will come in the form of grants.

Eligible homeowners can also apply for compensation to help pay for accommodation if they have had to leave their homes due to the flooding.

Small businesses and farms applying for grants must have gross revenue of at least $10,000, bringing this program into line with other similar federal disaster relief programs.

Community Services Minister Richard Mostyn said it’s important that homeowners and businesses who are already making repairs document everything with photos and keep receipts to ensure they can get compensation.

Mostyn said the government has set aside about $50 million for initiatives like this one, with $8 million now earmarked specifically for Klondike Valley flood recovery efforts.

He said the government does not yet have an overall financial estimate of the damage done by the floods, but expects to get a clearer picture as people apply for funds through the new program.

The floods near Dawson City happened in two waves, with the first being the result of an ice-jam and the second from snow melt.

Flooding began the first time on May 7, with the second round happening on May 24.

“This year we had an unusual ice-damming event in the Klondike that has caused substantial damage to residents there,” Mostyn said.

Seasonal flooding in the area is not unusual, especially in the Rock Creek area. But this year was substantially worse, resulting in extensive property damage.

There have been many historic floods in Dawson, including severe flooding throughout the town in 1979 caused by ice jams on several rivers and a heavy snow pack.

It’s one of the reasons for the raised boardwalks entrances to many of the buildings in town.

The emergency response phase for this year’s flood is now complete, but Pillai said the recovery phase could stretch into months and years.

While the rest of the Canada struggles to battle wildfires, Mostyn said that in the Yukon, officials haven’t seen the type of property damage from wildfires like the damage from recent flooding.

He attributes this at least partly to the Yukon’s experience in battling wildfires and protecting properties in those types of emergencies.

“In the territory, we have a lot of experience fighting fires,” Mostyn said, adding that now “we’re seeing much more flooding than we’ve ever seen in the territory before.”

He also said that across Canada, flooding accounts for more property damage with financial implications than damage from wildfires.

“Floods are costing Canadians more than anything else, including wildfires,” Mostyn said.

Money from this initiative can be used to pay for flood mitigation work by homeowners to better prepare for the future.

The territory is also working on creating flood maps to better prepare as floods are becoming more commonplace, Mostyn said.

Pillai and Mostyn urged Yukoners to keep on hand a 72-hour emergency kit with food and supplies to get to safety during emergency situations such as floods 
and wildfires.

The Yukon Housing Corp. will be holding an open house in Dawson on July 5 and 6 to answer questions about the program. They will be available at 105 Turner St. between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. both days, and are scheduled to return again the following week.

“We want to make sure the process for accessing this disaster financial assistance is as straightforward as possible and does not add to your hardships,” Mostyn said.

Application forms and information on eligibility is available online at https://Yukon.ca/flood-funds.

Forms will also be available at the housing corporation office in Dawson starting today.

The deadline for applications is Oct. 3.

Former premier Sandy Silver, who represents the Klondike riding, assisted residents during the flooding.

“Klondike residents came together to help each other during the recent significant flooding, and I was proud of the collaborative response from neighbours, the Yukon government, the City of Dawson and the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Government,” the Finance minister said in a statement.

“The parameters of the 2023 Flood Recovery Funding Program for the Klondike Valley are based directly on the needs of affected households, farms and businesses, and the significant feedback my colleagues and I received from impacted individuals.

“This is the crucial next step to help everyone get back on their feet,” Silver added.

Meanwhile, the high streamflow advisory for the Klondike, issued late last week, was rescinded by the government Monday afternoon.

The Klondike River basin saw a limited rainfall response and remains below the two-year return period.

“Although precipitation remains in the forecast for Monday night and Tuesday morning, the Klondike River is expected to continue its general recession and maintain flows at or below the two-year return period,” the government said.

“The Klondike River remains susceptible to heavy rainstorms but the current forecast indicates the river should remain below flood thresholds at this time.

“Stay clear of the fast-flowing rivers and potentially unstable riverbanks during the high-streamflow period.”