The mayor of Rigaud is frustrated with the province’s flood response. Hans Gruenwald blames communication issues with Quebec for stalling his plan’s flood recovery.
He’s worried hundreds of people still won’t be back in their homes before winter comes, so he’s thinking about building them a temporary shelter.
“We need information. This is a call for information. We need to have the information to know how many people we have to take care of this winter,” said Gruenwald at a press conference.
He says Quebec won’t tell him where in the recovery process his citizens are, so he’s preparing for the worst.
READ MORE: Quebec floods: Rigaud mayor declares state of emergency, issues mandatory evacuation order
The mayor proposes housing people in a temporary trailer park or apartments over the winter.
“We need housing. We can’t build 50 houses in one day, so it has to be something prefabricated,” he said.
Rolande Ruh, who has lived in Rigaud for 15 years, finds the idea ridiculous.
“I’m 76. I want to live in my home again. Mr. Mayor is dreaming or something. A trailer park? Give me a break,” she told Global News.
Ruh says she’s submitted all necessary documents but still hasn’t received a permit to begin renovations on her home.
“Winter is coming and we cannot leave our house like this,” she said.
Rigaud said four months after flooding hit the town, out of 239 flooded homes, only 15 files are currently being looked at by the province.
But in Quebec City, Public Security Minister Martin Coiteux said 160 inspection reports have been issued in Rigaud, and that those homes are ready for construction permits.
“The city blames Quebec, and Quebec blames the city. So there you have it,” said Ruh.
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