Finally, there is good news for residents in Rural Southern Alberta;- After constant complaints regarding concerns of rural residents, Flood Recovery Information Sessions have finally been organized for Rural Areas and Agricultural Producers. I have just recently attended 2 that were held in Longview and Turner Valley. While these have been long overdue and greatly needed for several weeks, they are at last being conducted and it is sincerely hoped that all affected residents will be able to attend one of these future meetings to obtain the information they need to assist in their recovery.
Overall, residents have been clamoring for accurate information and timely response from the Provincial Government and justifiably so! Oldman Winter is only a few weeks away! Beyond the outrageous situations of damage to homes that were caused by the RCMP activities in High River, very serious concerns ranging from public safety, adequate warnings, timely response in terms of assistance and flood mitigation measures for the future, have been commonly raised at our office in Nanton.
This local crisis must get the attention it deserves. The major media sources (not the locals) and some departments of the Province, seem not to realize it but beyond the horrendous flooding events that took place in High River, many town and rural residents of the Livingstone Macleod Constituency have also been greatly impacted. From Millarville, Priddis, Black Diamond, Turner Valley, Longview and Fort Macleod along with the rural areas of the MDs’ of Foothills, Willow Creek, Ranchlands, Pincher, and Crowsnest, residents there too have had to deal with flooded basements, property damage and animal losses.
In fact, the Fort Macleod area along the Oldman River, seems to have been somewhat overlooked by the Provincial Governments’ information sessions and when I questioned them on that, the organizers indicated that they will now definitely have to add the area to their list as soon as possible! Really?? Good news? Sure, but let’s get on with it!
However, I must remind all residents; you must apply for the program! Please do not assume someone from the Government will be contacting you eventually! That is not taking place! So, no matter where your property is, I would strongly encourage all residents to immediately contact the Disaster Recovery Program (1-888-671-1111) and attend any sessions that are held to ensure your application is made, your concerns are heard and are properly addressed.
~Pat Stier MLA, Livingstone Macleod Constituency
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