Wildfires can strike suddenly and leave devastating effects on families and communities across Manitoba. If your home has been damaged or destroyed in a wildfire, you may be facing more than just the emotional toll — the financial strain, especially related to your mortgage, can be overwhelming.

If you're navigating this difficult time, you're not alone — and there are mortgage relief options available. Here’s what homeowners in wildfire-affected areas of Manitoba should know and do right away.

Contact Your Mortgage Servicer Immediately

Your mortgage servicer is the company that manages your home loan, collects your payments, and can offer options during financial hardship.

What to Say:

Let them know your home has been affected by a wildfire, and you may have difficulty making your mortgage payments. Be clear, honest, and prepared to provide documentation if requested.

Request Relief Options:

• Disaster Forbearance: This is a temporary pause or reduction in your mortgage payments. It’s designed to give homeowners time to recover without the added pressure of making full payments.
• Loan Modifications: Ask if you qualify for a change to your loan’s terms, such as lowering your monthly payments or extending your repayment period.

Review Your Home Insurance Coverage

Your home insurance could be a critical lifeline during this time — not just for repairing physical damage, but also for covering some housing and mortgage-related costs.

What to Check:

• Loss of Use Coverage: This may help with temporary housing if your home is uninhabitable.
• Mortgage Payment Assistance: Some policies include support for ongoing mortgage payments during rebuilding.
• Filing a Claim: File your claim as soon as possible to start the recovery process.

Tip: Keep detailed records of all communications and expenses related to the wildfire damage.

Important Considerations for Wildfire Victims

Communication is Crucial - The earlier you speak with your mortgage servicer and insurance provider, the more options you’ll likely have.

Know Your Rights - In Canada, including Manitoba, lenders often have hardship relief programs in place for natural disasters. Ask about:

• Disaster forbearance options
• Flexible repayment plans
• Waivers of late fees or penalties

Rebuild and recover - While financial concerns can be overwhelming, your top priority should be safety and recovery. Let your mortgage servicer and insurance agents guide you through the process so you can focus on getting back on your feet.

We understand how stressful this situation can be. If you're a homeowner in Manitoba impacted by wildfires and need help contacting your mortgage servicer, please contact us. We are here to help.