Council has given the nod for staff to look at establishing a Burlington Resiliency Fund to support residents during natural disasters or emergencies.
Councillors discussed the flooding that took place on July 15, 16, when significant amounts of rainfall led to the flooding of 1,288 homes in Burlington, some
of which experienced significant damage causing unexpected financial hardship for many.
Following the flooding, city staff said it became clear that Burlington lacked a centralized resource for both the intake of charitable donations and for the distribution of support.
To be proactive going forward, the city will look at having Burlington Foundation, a non-profit organization celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, manage the fund. Other options will also be considered.
Relief funds are often established to support the long-term recovery and resiliency of a community following a natural or human-made disaster as part of a proactive
emergency preparedness community strategy. The city can set criteria for eligible costs. The city can also receive donations and administer dispersals from a relief fund, including issuing charitable tax receipts.
Establishing a fund with the Burlington Foundation (BF) will vary based on the type of fund.
Staff said that establishing a relief fund with the Burlington Community Foundation allows the foundation to hold, manage and steward the fund’s assets and nurture and grow the fund in perpetuity.
Council members agreed that analysis is needed, but the city said it won't be paying directly for things like repairing destroyed basements to original state, or replacing a vehicle that may have been damaged because of the flooding.
"It's that insult to injury piece," said Mayor Marianne Meed Ward, adding, the city could perhaps consider the deductable, for instance, on an insurance policy. "This is not a keep people whole, it's simply not possible. Our hearts are all in the right place, and we will leave no stone un-turned for options (to help people)."
She said it would be helpful to let BF take care of the fund so that the city isn't responsible for the details of the actual fund.
Council unanimously supported the motion. Staff will report back to council with options for where the fund is held, etc. on October 7.
