The initiative of the Boundary Flood Recovery Team applies to the entire Regional District of Kootenay Boundary, regardless of political borders.
RDKB Chair Roly Russel explains. “Whether that is in mental health assistance or housing assistance, it applies to all of our constituents regardless of whether they are rural or a municipal resident.”
He says one obstacle is uncertainty around timelines. “We have a lot of different funding avenues that the Province is helping us with, and it really has been a partnership in large part. But there are components of that that are starting to get really stressful for people, the anxiety levels are rising, and that has to do with just not knowing when we’re going to hear back on particular pieces.”
Roly adds that one example is mental health assistance in the community, as requests have been made to the Province but it’s unclear when to expect an answer let alone what it will be. He also says it’s important for people to recognize that in some cases we won’t get what we asked for.
In response to Tuesday’s discussion in council chambers regarding the City’s involvement with the Recovery Team, he says the Team is not a committee of local government, so it wouldn’t be logical to have committee representation.