Small businesses in Grand Forks will get $2.9M for flood recovery

Small businesses in a WestKootenaycity still struggling to recover from destructivespring floods are getting nearly $3 million in grants to help.

Grand Forks, B.C., was one of the the hardest hit by flooding in May. Entire neighbourhoods were enveloped with water and the historic downtown strip became a river, with many businesses ravaged.

By late November, orange tarps were still draped over manystorefronts in the city, population 4,000. Nearly one in four businesses are still closed.

On Monday, the province announced $2.9 million in grants to help the many small businesses still recuperating.

"Recovery is a long process that involves meeting immediate needs, strengthening the community once again and then mitigating risk in the future," said Jennifer Rice, parliamentary secretary for emergency preparedness.

RogerSoviskov, owner of JogasEspresso Cafe, said he had to rebuild his business "from nothing."

"When it's all said and done, between the demolition, the rebuild, the contents, the loss of business, insurance which doesn't pay a lot we're looking at close to $1 million," he said.

"[We] just barely had enough."

Many owners of affected businesses didn't haveflood insurance, while some who did say they are still hagglingwith their brokers and don't have the capital to re-open.

Business ownerswho need help will be able to apply for a share of the money, which will be distributed by the Red Cross. Those eligible could qualify for up to $18,500, with the potential for further cash for business recovery and emergency help.

Eligible businesses include small businesses and not-for-profit organizations located in areas of the RegionalKootenayBoundaryDistrict that have been under evacuation order or alert.

A statement from the province said the Red Cross willprovide more information on how to apply incoming weeks.

Grand Forks Mayor Brian Taylor said there hasn't been enough support for businesses so far after the flood and told Radio West host Sarah Penton that he was "thrilled" the money finally came.

"It will make a difference for a lot of people," Taylor said. "The other thing is, it's hope. It's practical and it's more than good will."

He's hopeful the funds will lead to a revitalization of Grand Forks' downtown, which he said could use some work.

"To some extent we were in a bit of a doldrum before the flood," he admitted. "So we're looking at this as a real opportunity."

He said the impression he wants to give of Grand Forks is of a community that's moving on and moving ahead.

With files from CBCRadio One's Radio West