The City of St. Catharines has established in-person community hubs and a dedicated hotline this week to assist residents grappling with insurance questions after back-to-back storms inundated parts of the Niagara region.
Where and when to get help
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) staff are meeting with residents at two locations in St. Catharines. On Wednesday, Aug. 12, IBC representatives were available at the Grantham Lions Club, 732 Niagara St., until 7 p.m. On Thursday, Aug. 13, the team will be at the St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre, 425 Carlton St., in the Community Room, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
| Date | Location | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, Aug. 12 | Grantham Lions Club, 732 Niagara St. | Until 7 p.m. |
| Thursday, Aug. 13 | St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre, Community Room, 425 Carlton St. | 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
What the service offers
The city says the on-site staff are available to help residents with questions about insurance claims related to home, business and vehicle losses stemming from recent weather events. For those unable to attend in person, a hotline has been activated: 1-844-2ASK-IBC (1-844-227-5422).
"IBC staff are trained insurance industry personnel who can help you navigate general home, business, or vehicle insurance questions."
The hubs are positioned as information and navigation points rather than places to file claims directly. Residents should still contact their own insurance companies to start or follow up on claims, but the IBC staff can explain typical claim processes, common coverage questions and documentation residents should prepare.
Local context and impact
St. Catharines and other parts of the Niagara region experienced back-to-back storms that, according to the city, delivered roughly a quarter of the area’s usual annual rainfall in a short period. That volume of water led to flooding, property damage and a spike in calls for municipal and emergency services.
In the days after severe weather events, municipalities often set up information hubs to relieve pressure on emergency lines and provide residents with clear, centralised guidance. For many households and small businesses, understanding what their policies cover — and what documentation insurers will expect — can speed decisions about repairs and temporary accommodation.
- Bring policy documents and photos of any damage to in-person sessions when possible.
- Note the hotline number: 1-844-227-5422 for telephone assistance.
- IBC staff can explain common terms and steps, but insurers themselves handle claims processing.
Why residents should attend
People unfamiliar with insurance procedures or those facing complex losses — such as combined water and structural damage, or business interruption issues — may find the sessions useful. The presence of trained industry personnel can help residents prioritise immediate steps, avoid common pitfalls in documentation and understand timelines for assessments and payouts.
City officials are emphasising that the hubs are one element of the local recovery effort. Residents seeking assistance should use the hub and hotline as a starting point for insurance guidance while continuing to report damage to municipal services as required.
For more information, St. Catharines residents can attend the scheduled sessions or call the IBC hotline at 1-844-2ASK-IBC.
