Effective immediately all people living in 169 homes in Abasand and 55 homes in Beacon Hill that were included in the final areas that were restricted from permanent access by the Chief Medical Officer of Health can return home.
Friday evening at 5:30 the RMWB announced Phase 2B re-entry would begin immediately, following a new recommendation from Dr. Karen Grimsrud, the CMOH.
“My November 4 recommendations to allow the full re-entry to Abasand and Beacon Hill recognizes the diligent work the municipality has done to protect returning residents from harm,” said Grimsrud. “As the community continues to rebuild, I encourage everyone to keep health and well-being top of mind. Each person’s journey after a traumatic event is different, and I encourage residents to access the health and community-based supports available to help you.”
Residents and contractors no longer have to check in at any security checkpoints in Abasand or Beacon Hill and all green homes in the region are accessible to residents.
This marks a significant milestone in the ongoing recovery effort.
“On behalf of the Wood Buffalo Recovery Committee and Task Force, I’d like to share our gratitude to our returning residents for their patience and resilience,” said Jeanette Bancarz, Chair of the Wood Buffalo Recovery Committee. “The Chief Medical Officer of Health, the Government of Alberta and Alberta Health Services have been indispensable in this process and we are very excited to welcome the last residents of restricted areas home permanently. As a community in recovery, we look forward to the continued safe rebuilding of our neighbourhoods with a goal of building back better.”
Residents of Abasand and Beacon Hill who have already returned are encouraged to welcome their neighbours home. Mobile security patrols will continue in all damaged areas until further notice.
While the Phase 2B re-entry begins immediately, the Information Centre for the communities won’t open until Monday. It will be located in the gymnasium of Father Beauregard School at 255 Athabasca Avenue and will be open from noon to 8 p.m. Monday.
This schedule was chosen to ensure that residents have access to their properties as soon as possible and to give external support groups time to organize so that they can provide the best possible service to residents on Monday.
“I am humbled by the resolve of our residents during this difficult process and am grateful to all those involved in the recovery of our community. It is exciting to turn the page on demolition and focus ourselves on the task of rebuilding,” said Mayor Melissa Blake. “The determination that is characteristic of this region, dating back to the first people of the land, is part of the DNA of people in the north and I have no question that our community will rebuild stronger than before.”
Residential Waste Update
Residents in Phase 2B will have the opportunity to dispose of residential waste free of charge at a of a number of bins located around their neighbourhoods.
Starting on Saturday, waste bins will be available at the following locations until further notice:
Beacon Hill:
- Beaver Ridge Close
- Beaconsfield Road
- Beaconwood Place
Abasand – North:
- Corner of Athabasca Ave & Ryan Lane
- Corner of Athabasca Ave & Robinson Lane
- Corner of Athabasca Ave & Richardson Lane
- Corner of Athabasca Ave & Roy Lane
Abasand – South
- Arsenault Crescent
- Athabasca Ave
- Corner of Athabasca Ave & Astum Court
- Alpine Court
- Corner of Aurora Place & Amren Drive
- Aime Court
The regular tipping fees for residential household waste were brought back into effect on November 1, 2016, meaning the best option for residents in the Phase 2 homes who want to dispose of household waste is the neighbourhood bins.
As of Friday, the landfill has returned to its regular operational hours from 8:15 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., seven days a week.
Returning residents are encouraged to contact their natural gas retailer as soon as possible to have heating service restored. When temperatures dip below zero, there could be freezing of water pipes at their property, which can cause damage through the winter months. Heating standing homes helps to prevent against this kind of damage.
Even if you do not plan to occupy your home, you are encouraged to turn the heat on to at least 10C to prevent damage to your home.
For more information about the scheduled re-entry, visit www.rmwb.ca/ABW.
Permitting Fees Update
Starting on Monday, November 7, you will no longer be required to pay permit fees and Safety Code levies associated with rebuilding structures destroyed as a result of the 2016 wildfire when you make your application in person.
For the time being, online applications will continue to include the fees until the RMWB is able to make system changes. All of those fees will be refunded at a later date.
Permitting fees and Safety Code levies that have been paid to date by a qualified resident will be reimbursed by the Municipality. That includes fees paid by a contractor acting on behalf of a resident.
In order to receive a refund cheque in the mail, qualified property owners will be required to provide proof of identification and an updated mailing address.
Residents must submit the required documentation to Planning & Development, located on the first floor of the Timberlea Landing building (309 Powder Drive).
Property owners will save an average of $3,500, which is estimated to total approximately $3.2 million in 2016. These costs will be split between the Municipality and the Canadian Red Cross.
For more information on the permit fee exemptions, please visit www.rmwb.ca/rebuild.
