Canadians pay $600 million out of pocket for flood damage every year.
At times, as Bow Valley residents witnessed in 2013 when the area was struck by massive flooding, and today, as residents of Quebec and B.C.'s Shuswap and Okanagan regions deal with flooding and mudslides, it's apparent that natural disasters can strike at any time.
Flood incidents, in recent times, have been particularly prevalent in Canada, so it is worth noting that 94 per cent of 2,300 respondents to a University of Waterloo survey on flood risk and protection were unaware of their risk, or of a government policy shift on flood management that will place more responsibility on homeowners, according to an article in Canadian Underwriter magazine.
Homeowners surveyed included those who live in communities the federal government's Flood Damage Reduction Program designated as flood-risk areas.
According to Jason Thistlethwaite, assistant professor in Waterloo's School of Environment, Enterprise and Development, Canadians pay $600 million out of pocket for flood damage every year. “With disaster assistance costs expected to double over the next five years, homeowners can't afford to remain in the dark about their options and responsibilities.”
ProStar owner, Jodi Scarlett, is concerned that many homeowners are unaware of their responsibility to purchase flood insurance that may now be available in their area. “it would be a good idea for Canmore residents to check their insurance policies – I know that Vicki Young at Riverstone is a real expert on this!
When asked how ProStar came to Canmore after opening in Calgary 15 years ago Scarlett said “After the Cougar Creek flooding in 2013, I assessed the Canmore market and felt the area had capacity for another restoration company. I met with stakeholders in insurance and property management who all agreed. After that, I went in search of a local individual with deep roots in the community who could support our primary service offerings in Canmore.”
ProStar has now been operating from its Canmore office for three years and, with the expertise of Project Manager and local resident Cyd Fraser, has dealt with homes damaged in the natural gas explosion near Bow River Lodge, including critical asbestos abatement, as well as others with water, mold and fire damage.
Cyd's close 17 year relationship with Spring Creek made her an excellent choice for the role which requires a wide range of construction expertise.
Cyd, who is well known in town, works on the Canada Day committee and volunteers with several other local groups from the haunted house to snow carving and more.
“We are 24/7 and 365 days a year” said Cyd. “We're right here in the community and we always answer our phone. That's a huge strength for us! “We're your neighbours, we're in the community, we're around the corner, at the store and at the soccer field.”
ProStar's Canmore branch and Cyd have also worked further afield, in Golden and Revelstoke on large fire losses and recently in Panorama, where staff remediated extensive water damage that affected a 24-unit condominium complex.
When asked about ProStars work in Canmore Scarlett said, “When people have any kind of ‘unexpected event,' we can be there to help with recovery from small leaks to major fires or even floods. From emergency clean up to reconstruction, we are proud to be available 24-7-365.”
“And with our project manager Cyd right here in Canmore, she's just a few minutes away.
Since inception ProStar has had excellent relationships with many local tradespeople, BOWDA, Riverstone Insurance, PEKA, ClaimsPro, and Spring Creek, just to name a few.
Said Cyd Fraser, “We work with local businesses and trades wherever possible and we are proud to give back to the community!”
ProStar supports both the Canmore & Area Health Care Foundation and the Bow Valley Squash Foundation with donations on behalf of customers who mention The Outlook.
“These donations are an excellent way to support our neighbours in Canmore and to celebrate 3 years in this community, as well as 15 years in business,” said Scarlett.
To learn more about ProStar, please visit www.prostarcanmore.com
