'We can't move ahead,' Family stuck in limbo after hurricane destroys home
Hurricane Fiona is one of the most catastrophic events to hit Atlantic Canada; weeks later, many have found their insurance won't cover the damage.
"We're hearing more often of insurance companies turning them down," said Brian Button, mayor of Port aux Basques. "We are hearing more denials than we are of the positive coverage."
As homes in the small Newfoundland coastal town were ripped from foundations and pulled out to sea, people like the Savery family, who moved to the town from the Barrie area three years ago, are still searching for answers.
A photo of their iconic blue home teetering on the edge of a cliff was shared worldwide, capturing the moment before it was torn apart by wind and waves.
An Ontario family's iconic blue house is swept away in Hurricane Fiona's path in Port aux Basques, N.L. (Courtesy: R. Roy Wreckhouse Press)
Peggy Savery said she initially understood that her claim was denied, but on Wednesday was told it's still up in the air.
After receiving a letter on October 8, that stated in part, "We reserve the right based on your insurance policy terms and conditions to close your file without compensation regardless of whether the investigation has to be completed or not."
"They know they are the reason why we can't move ahead," said Savery. "To find out that we're being held up even longer because of our insurance company is very frustrating."
She said until she knows one way or the other, her family is stuck in limbo and applying for any federal or provincial disaster relief.
According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC), storm surges are not typically covered by insurance, even with an add-on policy to cover floods.
"The risk modelling for storm surge and what causes the ocean to enter homes and properties, that modelling needs to be further developed," said Amanda Dean, vice president of Atlantic IBC.
The situation is exposing gaps in an industry trying to catch up as disasters become more frequent and unpredictable.
"That's why our industry is so motivated to sit at the table with government and talk about private and public partnerships in order to help those who are at the highest risk," said Dean.
In the meantime, the road to recovery is littered with more questions than answers.
"Back in the day, it was necessary to build the homes by the sea, but is it today? That's the question we have to ask ourselves," said Button.
As many wait to see what provincial and federal support they may qualify for, a GoFundMe campaign for the Savery's has raised nearly $50,000.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ukraine marks its third Easter at war as it comes under fire from Russian drones and troops
As Ukraine marked its third Easter at war, Russia on Sunday launched a barrage of drones concentrated in Ukraine's east, wounding more than a dozen people, and claimed its troops took control of a village they had been targeting.
Maple Leafs eliminated from NHL playoffs with Game 7 OT loss to Bruins
Sheldon Keefe told his players hockey history would remember them one way or another.
Should you save or splurge on makeup this summer?
If you're wondering whether you should splurge or save when it comes to buying skincare products and makeup this summer, we got some answers for you.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
What a judge's gag order on Trump means in his hush money case
A gag order bars Trump from commenting publicly on witnesses, jurors and some others connected to the matter. The New York judge already has found that Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for president, repeatedly violated the order, fined him US$9,000 and warning that jail could follow if he doesn't comply.
Bodies recovered in Mexico likely 2 Australians, 1 American who went missing: officials
Three bodies recovered in an area of Baja California are likely to be those of the two Australians and an American who went missing last weekend during a camping and surfing trip, the state prosecutor’s office said Saturday.
Amid climate change warnings, Canadians lukewarm on electric vehicles
Amid scientists' warnings that nations need to transition away from fossil fuels to limit climate change, Canadians are still lukewarm on electric vehicles, according to a study conducted by Nanos Research for CTV News.
opinion You don't need to be an influencer to earn income from social media
How legitimate are claims by some content creators that the average person can earn passive income from social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram? Personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says it's quite possible, if you're willing to put in the initial time and effort.
Madonna's biggest-ever concert transforms Rio's Copacabana beach into a massive dance floor
Madonna put on a free concert on Copacabana beach Saturday night, turning Rio de Janeiro's vast stretch of sand into an enormous dance floor teeming with a multitude of her fans.