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Temporary housing plan expected today

Last Updated Sep 1, 2016 at 9:16 am MDT

The plan for temporary housing is expected to be released Thursday following another collaboration between the RMWB and the province.

It will include modular homes from the province that will likely be brought up to Parsons Creek and will require services and property management. Residents will have to apply for a spot in the homes and will have to pay market rate, utilities and a damage deposit.

“Last week we indicated that a survey was conducted by the Red Cross on behalf of the municipality and the Government of Alberta,” said Recovery Branch Lead Erin O’Neill. “The survey results did indicate that there is a significant number of residents who have secured interim housing already, however not all residents have found housing.”

The survey also shows the biggest need is for three-bedroom housing. There is also a need for one- and two-bedroom housing but in working with hotels, landlords and property management companies to determine the vacancy rates in the region currently those needs can be met by the market, according to the RMWB.

People still looking for housing can also apply for gap housing with the Wood Buffalo Housing and Development Corporation or connect with landlords and hotels offering long-term accommodations through the municipality’s list of accommodations on the Wildfire Recovery page.

If you are uninsured or don’t have enough insurance to cover rent and mortgage payments you’re encouraged to connect with the Red Cross for supports.

Thursday’s public engagement session at Shell Place from 4-8 p.m. will include presentations on housing at 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. with the option to talk one-on-one with service providers, social services and RMWB staff about questions you have about both housing and recovery.

From now on all public engagement sessions will be held on Thursdays at Shell Place from 4-8 p.m. offering continuity and an accessible location for residents. The sessions will be focused with this week specific to housing needs, next week specific to Waterways questions and the following week likely to focus on concerns specific to rebuilding challenges in Abasand and Beacon Hill.