The application process is now open for the modular housing units provided by the province for families that have been displaced by the fire. There are 65 units available and they are for families with at least one child under the age of 18 whose home was either destroyed or damaged in the fire or is inside one of the still-restricted areas.
If you are currently staying in Fort McMurray you are encouraged to apply in person at the demonstration homes that have been set up at the Youth Assessment Centre at 180 Mackenzie Boulevard, which will be open from noon to 7:30 on Friday. The homes are a but difficult to find because they’re tucked behind the building. It’s located beside the Keyano campus and across from the SPCA and RMWB garage.
For people currently staying outside of Fort McMurray, applications can be made for housing by calling 587-536-0111 or 780-743-4140 or by emailing hillary@wbhadc.ca or christal@wbhadc.ca.
The model will be open from 12 to 7:30 p.m. Monday to Friday and 12-4 p.m. on Saturdays for residents to visit. The in-person applications are meant to help maintain the order for the first come first served nature of the application process.
“We want to get people into housing as quickly as possible and we don’t want to be holding units off and delaying placing people into units,” said Greg Elsasser, Acting President and CEO of Wood Buffalo Housing (WBHDC), the group managing the application and leasing of the units on behalf of the province. “We think the demand is actually going to outstrip the supply so we want to get people into housing as soon as possible so that if there is additional demand those needs can be looked at and discussed.”
There is a possibility the province would send more units north but Elsasser said WBHDC would also work to find space for people within its existing portfolio and within what’s available on the market and would welcome the help of the province and RMWB to do so.
Not all units are identical. Your family size will dictate which one you get. They're done 1st come 1st serve #ymm pic.twitter.com/ZU8UFQzbaq
— MyMcMurray (@MyMcMurray) September 9, 2016
“The interim housing program specifically focuses on families that require three- or four-bedroom units whose homes were destroyed or damaged by the fire or are restricted currently,” said Caitlin Downie, with human services in the Recovery Branch. “The units are all pet friendly and no additional pet deposit will be required of those residents.”
Units will be leased at the pre-fire market rate with the renters responsible for utilities and a damage deposit. If affordability is an issue the Red Cross is providing housing supports. You don’t need an appointment in person just call 1-888-553-5505.
“The interim housing program will continue for up to two years, however each individual household’s circumstance will be taken into consideration and their length of stay will be based on the rebuild or restoration time of their home and on the vacancy rates in the region,” said Downie.
Leases are guaranteed for six months minimum with three month renewal terms but tenants need only give 14 days’ notice when they are ready to either move into their rebuilt home or move into other accommodations. Wood Buffalo Housing is asking for 30 days’ notice where possible. There will be no penalties for breaking a lease early.
There's a lot of storage in the units. They'll have appliances but will not be furnished #ymm pic.twitter.com/ktHArBT9Ja
— MyMcMurray (@MyMcMurray) September 9, 2016
How to apply:
Anyone applying must meet the following criteria:
- Was a resident in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) before the May 2016 fire;
- Lived in a home that was destroyed or is no longer inhabitable;
- Has not secured interim housing in RMWB;
- Must be part of a family with at least two dependents and require three or four bedrooms.
All applicants will have to complete a Housing Need Assessment Form.
To help you prepare for the application process, please ensure you have the following documentation with you when you arrive on site to apply:
- Government-issued photo identification;
- Two documents that prove pre-fire residency in the region (i.e. pay stub, utility bill, property tax notice, insurance documentation or lease or mortgage documentation);
- One piece of identification of each household member cited in the application (i.e. birth certificate or government-issued photo identification); and
- Proof of ability to pay applicable fees, including rent, deposit and utilities (i.e. pay stub or letter from employer stating gross monthly income, insurance reimbursement).
If residents are still without identification, they can contact any of the following for replacements:
- Service Alberta for a driver’s license or ID card
- RMWB for property tax documents
- Their employer for pay stubs or proof of employment
- Their insurance provider
- Financial lender for proof of mortgage
Monthly lease rent will be set at market rates:
- 3 Bedroom: $2,500 per month
- 4 Bedroom: $2,650 per month
Note: A refundable damage deposit will be required (set at an amount not to exceed one month’s lease rent for that unit type); an additional pet deposit is not required. Renters are required to pay for any and all damages not covered by the damage deposit. Renters are responsible for payment of damage deposit, utilities, and any moving costs.
“Wood Buffalo Housing does have vacancy for those seeking lower rents and for those who only require one- or two-bedroom units,” said Linda Thompson-Brown, human services in the Recovery Branch.
Gap housing is also available through Wood Buffalo Housing. As of this Tuesday, September 6, there were 28 one-bedroom, 63 two-bedroom, 22 three-bedroom units vacant, all of which are pet-friendly. Those numbers are subject to change on a regular basis and residents interested in WBHDC as a housing option are encouraged to get in touch with them directly at 780-743-4140.
The usual requirements are different for those who have lost a home or can’t access theirs and you are encouraged to apply.
There are also units available through local hotels, at reduced rates without daily cleaning, and existing rental vacancies. You can find a complete list of vacancies put together by the RMWB online.
