P.E.I. woman frustrated her Fiona disaster relief application is still in limbo
CBC
Cheryl Dalziel's property in the Rustico area was hit hard by post-tropical storm Fiona, and she's frustrated with how long it's taking to get financial help.
Ten months after the storm, Dalziel said she is still waiting for compensation from the Provincial Disaster Financial Assistance Program, or PDFAP.
According to P.E.I.'s government website, the program is intended to help repair or replace uninsurable, essential basic property lost or damaged as a result of a sudden disaster.
Dalziel is hoping to get about $5,000 to help pay for tree cleanup, stump removal and lawn repair.
She said about 25 trees came down on her property, and that ended up tearing up the lawn all around her house.
Her chimney was also damaged but she said she's focused on the lawn for now, which she feels is dangerous with so many holes and ruts.
"It's stressful. Every time I look outside or walk outside ... I can't get the grounds looking decent," said Dalziel.
Dalziel originally applied for the financial relief in January, but had to wait until April to get photos and estimates. Three months after sending those in, she's still waiting.
"It's still saying that I'm under review," she said of her application.
She has already spent $2,000 on some work and is waiting for another contractor to do more.
"I feel like I'm living with Fiona, over and over and over," she said.
Provincial officials say 614 applications have been approved through PDFAP for residential, small business, and non-profit streams for a total of $2.9 million in payments.
Officials said 3,000 applications were submitted in all, but that includes those that were approved, withdrawn, determined to be duplicates or otherwise ineligible.
A spokesperson told CBC News via email that "850 applications are currently under review."
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