CALGARY- It has been 26 days since the devastating flood waters swept through the town of High River, destroying hundreds of homes. But Monday marked the first day residents in the hardest hit community got to see their homes up close.
People living in Hampton Hills were finally allowed back, but because their homes sat under water for so long, the intensity of the mould that’s developed is considered too dangerous to clean up.
“It’s beyond words. You move into a dream home…financially where do I go from here? You’re ruined. It’s beyond fixing,” says Greg Tymchyna, who lives in the hard-hit subdivision with his young family. “It breaks your heart to say goodbye to it, but my kids’ health is more important than a house.”
Some residents admit the feeling of helplessness makes them want to leave and never return.
“Pick me, let me walk away, we were not part of a flood plain,” says Sarah Bruinsma, who also lived in Hampton Hills and hopes the province will help her. “I would love to get bought out. Let me out of this mess, let me walk away.”
Volunteers are not being allowed in the area, and the level of damage to homes has still not been fully assessed.
A number of homes have been declared ‘red’ by inspectors—meaning it’s likely they will be torn down.
A number of information expos are being held for affected residents.
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