The sudden blast of wintry weather is adding insult to injury for many northeast Calgary residents who are still cleaning up after June 13’s hailstorm.
It has been four months since Canada’s most devastating hailstorm left many homes in that quadrant in tatters, and still, tens of thousands of claims remain open, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada.
IBC said about 40 per cent of repair claims are outstanding.
“Our recent member survey showed about 60 per cent of the 70,000 claims are closed. The claims that remain open at are various stages,” the statement read.
The association said reasons for the delay included a shortage of siding and other building materials, a shortage of contractors, and the pandemic, as some homeowners do not want people at their homes.
Ward 5 Coun. George Chahal called the situation desperate and said many homeowners still have windows that need to be repaired. The sudden weather has impacted thousands already.
“Winter is not coming. Winter has arrived,” he said.
Chahal worries many won’t be able to afford their heating bills.
“It is like a war zone. There’s a lot of damage here,” he said.
“I have serious concerns about how many of these homeowners will get through the winter without having further damage to their homes and the high energy costs that they will face because their homes just aren’t as adequately protected.
Pamela Fischer lives in Saddleridge. While she’s one of the luckier ones who recently had her home repaired, she’s concerned for her neighbours who are still waiting for repairs.
“I’m heartbroken for those who are without… We’re told to be patient but how do you be patient when you have no windows and your side wood is exposed on your home and your roof is leaking? It’s hard.”
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She and her husband Jason are part of the Hail Action Committee. They’re calling for more action from officials and want to see support in the way of a $5,000 interest-free loan available to all homeowners. They also want more resources made available.
In a statement, the province said it is continuing to encourage Albertans to work with their insurance providers.
“Calgarians have been hit hard by this disastrous hailstorm and our hearts go out to all those affected. Albertans pay insurance and rely on it for situations just like these. We continue to encourage Albertans to work with their insurance providers for damages caused by the storm, and our MLAs remain committed to assisting with this process,” municipal affairs press secretary Justin Marshall said.
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