Teams Of Veterans, First Responders And Civilians Arrive In Peterborough With Team Rubicon To Help With Storm Clean Up

The City of Peterborough welcomes Team Rubicon Canada to Peterborough to assist eligible property owners with tree and green waste clean-up as part of storm recovery efforts following the May 21, windstorm.

Team Rubicon Canada at its first Disaster Training Camp in Prince George BC, May 9, 2022. Photo courtesy of Team Rubicon Canada.

Team Rubicon Canada is a registered charity and volunteer-based disaster response organization that sends skilled disaster response teams into areas requiring assistance. The teams are made up of Canadian Military veterans, first responders and passionate civilians who have the expertise and specialized equipment to quickly assess damage to properties and put together a safe work plan at no cost to homeowners.

Team Rubicon teams will be deployed in the City of Peterborough for the next few weeks to assist eligible residents with tree and green waste clean-up.

Services are being offered to City of Peterborough residents who own and occupy their property and currently receive the City of Peterborough Property Tax Assistance Program, according to the following qualification following qualifications:

• Low Income Senior aged 65 years or older receiving benefits under the Guaranteed Income Supplement or the Guaranteed Annual Income System.

• Low Income Senior aged 55-64 with a combined taxable income of less than $30,000 per year.

• Low Income Person with a Disability receiving benefits under the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).

Eligible residents who would like assistance from Team Rubicon can complete a request form online at https://arcg.is/iSqOX or dial 211 to request service by phone. 211 is a 24/7 helpline that assists residents access community, social and government services.

Team Rubicon will only assist with cleanup of tree debris and limbs that are on the ground.

They will saw fallen trees, branches and brush that are on the ground into sizes that comply with the City’s Green Waste Collection program wherever possible and move the debris to the curb for Green Waste Collection. Material that exceeds the size or weight for Green Waste Collection may be collected through a Special Green Waste Collection that will take place several weeks later, when the City has the resources available.

 “Even with the extraordinary support our community has provided one another, there are still residents who are struggling to deal with downed trees and property damage,” remarked Mayor Diane Therrien. “This dedicated group of trained volunteers will thankfully be able to assist our residents who might not be able to afford to hire help. The City is grateful for the support that Team Rubicon will offer residents, and grateful to 211 Ontario for their support.”

Each Team Rubicon team will make arrangements with the property owner to undertake any work on site before work begins. Team Rubicon operates independently from the Corporation of the City of Peterborough.

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to be working with the City of Peterborough during this challenging time for the community,” said Dave McAllister, Director of Programs and Operations for Team Rubicon Canada. “Our teams are on the ground and ready to put their disaster response skills to work to support the residents of Peterborough and help accelerate their recovery in the wake of this disaster.”

 

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