Worst hit in Sydney flood meet with EMO this week to determine fate of homes

Eighteen homeowners in Sydney, N.S., whose propertieswere most affected by theThanksgiving Day floodwill meet one-on-one with provincial officials this week to find out what their options are for the future.

The minister responsible for theEmergency Management Office said personnel will give each owner information to help them decide whether to repair their damaged homes or sell them to the province.

"We're now meeting with homeowners to give them the final numbers in relation to what decisions they can make now for rebuilding their lives," Zach Churchill said Thursday.

Homes purchased by the province will be demolishedand anycontaminants on the property will be cleaned up, according to a news release from the province.

In thosemeetings with EMO officials, homeowners will receive the pre-flood market value appraisal of their property; how much money is available to bring the home back to pre-flood condition; how much coverage is available for contents of the home through disaster financial assistance; and test results for oil contamination.

"We want them to know what their options are," Churchill said. "The province is willing to find a second appraisal if they are not comfortable with those numbers."

Churchill said the province is willing to go beyond its$200,000 disaster assistance cap if there are situations where covering a homeowner's losses cost more.

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