By Marcia Love
Flood relief was the main topic of discussion in council chambers on July 13.
Mayor Barry Rudd said a big concern is the number of residents who are unsure what coverage they can receive from the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program (PDAP).
“We’re just starting to get into the crunch where we’re seeing people are coming in... because they’re under the impression they don’t get covered (under PDAP) for this and now they won’t get covered for that,” he explained.
Rudd noted much of this confusion is because PDAP is being adjusted to the flooding situation.
“They’re changing the program as they’re going and it’s been growing as they’re going,” he said.
PDAP is already distributing cheques for 40 per cent of residents’ claims.
When claimants receive the 40 per cent of their PDAP payment, they will have two options. If claimants agree with the amount offered, they may accept the payment and finalize the claim. If claimants do not agree with the amount offered, they may complete repairs and send PDAP the receipts for costs incurred.
Owners of trailers in Willowbend Trailer Court can expect to receive settlement cheques for the value of their trailers by the end of next week.
Council is looking at options for removing the damaged trailers from the trailer court.
“When we do dispose of them, we want them pulled out and we want them demolished,” Rudd said.
As dismantling the trailers and discarding them in the town landfill would take about 10 years off the life of the landfill, council would prefer the trailers be hauled away and destroyed. Bids for the disposal are being reviewed.
Rudd reported 21 families remain in motels due to flood damage sustained to their homes.
“Talking to people... I think it’s worse now than it was when the water was here, because now the reality is setting in,” said Councillor Tina Creswell.
The town is in the process of arranging interim housing for displaced families, such as trailers or rental units.
“When you’re talking interim housing, it’s got to be for at least two years,” Rudd said.
The town is awaiting a report from social services as to the number of units required, as it is starting a needs assessment for displaced families requiring a residence.
“It’s unfortunately part of that needs assessment that they will ask the people (if they) want to stay here,” Rudd noted. “The last thing we want is people leaving town.”
He said at least two families have left the Maple Creek area because they lost their home.
Council also discussed the state of commercial properties in town.
“We have to get the commercial properties back and send out special adjusters,” Rudd said. “You’ve got to do something for these (business owners), because they need to know where to go... otherwise they’re going to walk – and that’s big money.”
The town office is still receiving reports of basements caving in.
“We’ve got people coming in every day saying... their basement was fine two days ago and when they went down there again it was all caved in,” Rudd explained. “We tell them to fill out a (PDAP) form, because that’s going to happen.”
As residents assess the damages that continue to arise, Rudd said the hardest part may be yet to come.
“We’re dealing with the emotions... and we’re trying to get back to normal,” he said.