Tomorrow is your last chance to return a questionnaire sent out by the Flood Recovery Team. The survey was a hot topic at Wednesday’s Boundary Flood Recovery Update Meeting, as Grand Forks City Council hopes to decide on a Flood Protection Option on September 4.
Councillor Christine Thompson says she knows the decision can’t please everybody. “This is your opportunity to have input into what we are doing, what we ultimately decide to do, and the decision, as we are very well aware, is not going to please everybody.”
Another hot topic: Over 367 of 390 households have been interviewed for housing needs so the recovery team can move forward with a housing plan. One resident kicked off the question and answer period with a proposition regarding potential buy-outs.
Deputy Recovery Manager Graham Watt responds: “I think what you’re suggesting could be option B of a dike and a partial buy out, a relocation or reconstruction of new ones within for those folks that want to stay because some of those homes are not conditioned to be rebuild raised or removed, they’re too far gone so there’s going to be some lots and some wiggle room, that’s a good suggestion for that option.”
Deputy Manager of Operations and Sustainability Cavan Gates explains why another Flood Prevention Option won’t work. “On the dredging, the analogy there is the river is not only water, but it’s gravel, so it’s a constant flow of gravel moving down the river towards the ocean, so any dredging that happens in the river will ultimately be filled in.”
The next Flood Recovery Update is September 5 at 6PM at Grand Forks Senior Secondary. To read about the last Recovery Update click here.