Fort McMurray wildfire: how to apply for interim housing

Fort McMurray families whose homes were destroyed in the wildfire last spring can now apply for temporary longer-term housing.

The government of Alberta is moving 65 three- and four-bedroom mobile homes to Fort McMurray from Slave Lake in early October.

Anyone who wants to apply for the temporary housing must meet the following criteria:

• Was a resident in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo before the May 2016 fire
• Lived in a home that was destroyed or is no longer inhabitable
• Has not secured interim housing in the RMWB
• Must be part of a family with at least two dependents and require three or four bedrooms

“Demand is likely going to outstrip the supply so we’re going to be pretty strict on the original criteria so there isn’t going to be much flexibility,” Greg Elsasser, acting president and CEO of the Wood Buffalo Housing and Development Corporation, said.

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To apply for housing, residents must complete a Housing Assessment Form with the Wood Buffalo Housing and Development Corporation. The following information must be provided:

• Government-issued photo identification
• Two documents verifying pre-fire residence in the region (pay stub, utility bill, property-tax notice, insurance documentation, lease or mortgage)
• Identification for all household members cited in application (birth certificate, driver’s licence, passport or other government-issued ID)
• Proof of ability to pay all applicable fees including rent, deposit and utilities (confirmation of employment, pay stub or letter from employer stating gross monthly income, or from insurance company.

“There’s a lot of frustration out there in the marketplace and people’s lives have been turned upside down and we understand that frustration but we do want to get people into housing here as quickly as possible before winter,” Elsasser said.

Residents will be required to pay for the housing. A three-bedroom unit will cost $2,500 per month and a four-bedroom unit will cost $2,650 per month plus damage deposits.

READ MORE: Longer-term temporary housing coming for displaced Fort McMurray residents

The housing will be located in Parsons Creek and be available for up to two years, as needed. Residents can move in starting in mid to late October.

The RMWB is working on options for residents who need one or two bedrooms.