Understanding Alberta's Hazard Assistance and Resilience Program for Disaster Financial Support
- Hibaq A
- Jan 2
- 3 min read
Natural disasters can strike unexpectedly, leaving individuals and communities facing significant financial burdens. In Alberta, the government offers a safety net through the Hazard Assistance and Resilience Program (HARP), which helps those affected by natural hazards recover when insurance falls short or is unavailable. This post explains how HARP works, who qualifies, and what steps to take after a disaster.
What is the Hazard Assistance and Resilience Program?
HARP is Alberta’s disaster financial assistance program, previously known as the Disaster Recovery Program (DRP). It provides financial support to individuals, municipalities, and other eligible applicants who suffer losses from natural hazard events that are not covered by insurance. The program acts as a last-resort option to help cover costs that insurance does not pay for or when insurance was not accessible before the disaster.
Eligible natural hazards include events like floods, wildfires, and severe storms. To qualify, the disaster must have a clearly defined period and geographic area, and the event must be officially approved by the provincial government through a ministerial order.
Who Can Apply and How?
The application process begins with a local authority, such as a municipality or Indigenous community, which must submit a request for HARP within 30 days after the disaster period ends. This request must show that the eligible recovery costs meet a minimum financial threshold set by the program.
Once the local authority’s application is approved, residents and other affected parties within the disaster area can apply for financial assistance. Importantly, a formal state of local emergency is not required to access HARP funding, making it more accessible to communities in need.
What Does HARP Cover?
HARP covers uninsurable losses related to natural hazard events. Examples of eligible costs include:
Repairing or replacing damaged infrastructure like roads, bridges, and public buildings
Restoring essential services disrupted by the disaster
Repairing private property damage that insurance does not cover
Cleanup costs related to the disaster aftermath
Each year, Alberta Disaster Assistance Directives outline specific eligibility rules, covered items, and program limitations. These directives can vary, so it is important to check the current guidelines when applying.
Practical Example of HARP in Action
Consider a small Alberta town hit by a severe flood. Many residents have insurance, but some policies exclude flood damage or have high deductibles. The town council applies for HARP within the 30-day window and meets the financial threshold for recovery costs. After approval, residents who suffered uninsured flood damage apply for assistance to repair their homes and replace essential belongings. The program helps bridge the gap between insurance payouts and actual recovery costs, speeding up the community’s return to normal.
What You Should Do After a Disaster
If you live in Alberta and experience damage from a natural hazard, follow these steps:
Contact your local authority to find out if they have applied or plan to apply for HARP.
Document all damage thoroughly with photos and receipts.
Keep records of any insurance claims and payouts.
Apply for HARP assistance once your local authority’s application is approved.
Review the Alberta Disaster Assistance Directives for the current year to understand what costs are eligible.
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