During Alberta's 2023 wildfire season, Whitecourt, Edson, and other communities in Yellowhead County and Woodlands County were surprised with flooding on top of ongoing fires in the region.

The flooding in the area was a combination of spring runoff from the mountains and heavy rainfall, according to the provincial government. Through the province’s Disaster Recovery Program, $68 million will be made available to the residents of the affected communities to help rebuild homes and businesses, starting Dec. 7th.

Eligible expenses that may be covered by the Disaster Recovery Program could include damages to public property, cleanup costs including repairs and damage to people's homes, food and transportation, and costs built up during emergency operations like reception center accommodation.

Homeowners and small business owners in Edson, Whitecourt, Yellowhead County and Woodlands County have until Feb. 26, 2024 to submit their Disaster Recovery Program applications. More information can be found here.

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