HIGH RIVER – The state of emergency is being lifted in High River, Alberta, but some residents say it’s too soon to pretend that things are back to normal.
Bernie Hartford was evacuated from her home on June 20, and three weeks later she and her family are still not back.
She says it could be weeks or months before she can return to her home and the town will be in an emergency situation for a long time.
The minister responsible for the community, Rick Fraser, says things are returning to normal and maintaining the state of emergency is not necessary.
For the first time Friday he toured the new 40-hectare temporary neighbourhood for displaced residents, which should be ready for its first inhabitants in a couple of weeks.
Fraser says it’s not going to be like home, but it will let families be together and will offer such amenities as showers, playgrounds and even an off-leash area for pets.
The State of Emergency went into effect when the town was swamped by floodwaters on June 20.
Part of the town is still swamped, prompting Wildrose leader Danielle Smith to send a letter to Municipal Affairs Minister Doug Griffiths on Wednesday – asking the government to keep the State of Emergency in place.
Premier Alison Redford says there’s no real need to do that, as it wouldn’t help to speed up recovery efforts.
Provincial support will remain in place for the 13,000 residents, and Redford says the government is considering a policy to address if people should be barred from rebuilding in flood-prone areas.
WATCH: Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith joins Global Calgary with details of how much work is left to do in High River.
A community information expo for residents impacted by the flood will be held at the High River Agricultural Society’s rodeo grounds at 5 p.m. on Friday.
The expo will provide information on new temporary neighbourhoods being built for displaced residents.
Expo timeline:
5-6 p.m. – Community BBQ and information booths
6-6:30 p.m. – Presentation on new temporary neighbourhoods
6:30-7 p.m. – Feedback on new temporary neighbourhoods
7-8 p.m. – Panel discussion
8-8:30 p.m. Closing remarks from local and provincial government officials.
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