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Housing Discussions Continue At Recovery Update Meeting

Housing was a highlight from this week’s Boundary Flood Recovery Update Meeting. Presenters went over a broad range of topics including strategies, following steps, asks to the Province, and then opened the floor to questions.

Recovery Manager Graham Watt says housing is becoming an emergency. “Right now we recognize that its getting cold, typically we tend to see freezing temps in the first week of October, and then it gets colder and colder from there. We know that many people are in RV’s or in insulated or partially-insulated homes, or still in that family couch surfing mode, so this is our upmost critical need and it will become an emergency soon.”

City representatives requested support at the Union of BC Municipalities Convention last week, and said they felt they were heard by ministers. Some requests to the Province include an extension of the HEAP program, hospitality accommodation, and minor house repair funding.

Councillor Christine Thompson says it’s important residents know their options. “We’re going to get an answer on some of this in the very short term, because you all need to know what your options are, and we can’t make any promises, only what we’re advocating for, and the Province better get off their proverbial and step up to the plate so that you can get on with your lives.”

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Some of the Recovery Team’s next steps include early preparation for potential buyouts, and preparation for the 2019 freshet.

RDKB Chair and Area D Director Roly Russel says some housing solutions being explored by The City are also being looked at for Area D. “It’s the same approach, we just haven’t maybe communicated that nearly as clearly as we should, if there is a process where we are going look to try to identify opportunities for land swaps, or other options to relocate, we would do that for those massively flooded homes anywhere in the flood. It doesn’t matter if you’re in the City of Grand Forks or outside of that.”

Currently 62 households need immediate housing. A form aiming to help address the needs of disaster recovery planning was handed out to be dropped off at the RDKB office.

At this point 808 households have registered with the Red Cross, and over 700 individuals have received financial assistance. The Red Cross has Programs in place to help assist residents financially, including the Support to Small Businesses and Not-For-Profit Organizations Program.

There were also talks of work being started to form a team for Mental Health outreach. The date and location of the next meeting is to be announced. To read about the last meeting click here.

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