CALGARY- Some High River residents who were hit hard by the June flood are upset over the government’s decision to award a $45 million cleanup contract to Calgary-based Tervita.
The community of Hampton Hills bore the brunt of the damage, and AHS has condemned a number of homes in the area. But instead of bulldozing the houses, the province has hired the company to clean them up.
“Our floors are caving in, houses are on angles,” says homeowner Sarah Bruinsma. “If we can see that, how can the government not see that?”
The community was bermed in and kept underwater for weeks so other areas could drain—destroying blocks and blocks of homes.
Residents want the province to buy them out and allow them to relocate, but for now, officials say they want them remediated.
“When we come up with provincial policies, they have to match the entire province, not just one community,” explains MLA Rick Fraser. “We have to look at what’s fiscal to other taxpayers.”
Meantime, flood evacuees who were living in hotels and dormitories will be welcomed into a new temporary neighbourhood on Wednesday. Saddlebrook is located just north of High River, allowing displaced residents a place to live while they rebuild their homes.
It is the first temporary community to open, and will house about 1,200 at full capacity. Other neighbourhoods are being considered in Calgary as well as on the Siksika and Stoney First Nations. Rent is free for the first three months.
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