More support, to the tune of $6-million, is becoming available for those still struggling to rebuild after the 2016 wildfire.
The Municipality, Government of Alberta and Canadian Red Cross will each be contributing $2 million in relief funding.
The money will primarily be for resident homeowners who are still not back in their homes, who have had to pay for interim housing and special assessment fees during the rebuild process, namely the owners of the Hillview Condominiums.
A Here For You information session was held on Oct. 9, 2018 where Mayor Don Scott and councillors Verna Murphy and Krista Balsom heard some of the devastating stories and struggles the owners of the condos are going through.
“We recognize some residents have gone through hardship and difficulty because of the rebuild process and decisions made beyond their control,” said Mayor Scott. “We stand by these residents and will continue to champion their cause. We believe this funding will provide some of the support needed to assist residents in recovering fully from the fire.”
Mayor Scott had written to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Alberta Premier Rachel Notley last week urging for their respective levels of government to take action.
In a press release Brian Malkinson, Minister of Service Alberta, stated the provincial government was pleased to match the Municipality’s and Canadian Red Cross’s funding.
“Together, we will continue to support residents as we look forward to the day when they’re all able to return home,” stated Malkinson.
The funding will be administered through the Canadian Red Cross.
“This additional support from the Government of Alberta and the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo for our ongoing work in the region will provide much needed financial relief to those who are still not back in their homes after the 2016 wildfires,” said Jenn McManus, vice president, Canadian Red Cross, Alberta and Northwest Territories.
“The Canadian Red Cross remains present in the Fort McMurray area and continues to help people, including the primary resident homeowners of Hillview Condominiums, with their recovery through financial assistance, as well as emotional and mental health supports and referrals.”
People impacted by the wildfire who are still not back in their primary homes are encouraged to contact the Canadian Red Cross for an appointment by calling 1-888-553-5505 or by emailing wbsupport@redcross.ca to arrange a meeting.
