Over the weekend of August 23-25, 2024 a severe windstorm impacted the Columbia Valley leaving widespread damages, prolonged power outages, service interruptions and destruction in its wake.

The East Kootenay Emergency Management Team (which includes all rural areas, municipalities and First Nations) is working to gather a more detailed understanding of the scope and magnitude of the damages and is working with the Province to have this event qualify for Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA). The details of what might be included in DFA are not yet known. The first step is providing enough detailed information to have the event approved for funding.

Residents and property owners in the Columbia Valley who were impacted by damages as a result of this storm are asked to fill out the Damages Report and include up to 10 images that illustrate the damages incurred. The Damages Form can be found on this page and we are asking residents to fill it out as quickly as possible, and no later than 8:00am Tuesday, September 3, 2024.

We will continue to update this page as more information becomes available, including whether DFA is approved and who is eligible for what.

In the meantime, residents are encouraged to keep all receipts, take multiple photos and keep a detailed record of impacts and costs as this may help if Disaster Financial Assistance is approved.