Mr. Speaker, Hay River was once again affected by our annual breakup. This year saw a particularly bad and somewhat unusual turn of events in the breakup, resulting in serious property damage. Excluding the cleanup to businesses and government property, the tab has been estimated to exceed $1 million.
I would like to thank the Hon. Michael McLeod for the time that he spent coming to the community to firsthand survey the impact of this year’s flooding. ENR was available for a helicopter view of the damage, Mr.
Speaker, which yourself and
I accompanied the Minister on.
I’d also like to commend the town of Hay River and the Flood Watch Committee for their tireless efforts again this year.
We are also thankful for the continued presence of the University of Alberta specialists who are able to analyze the science of our breakup, and fortunately, they have secured funding for future years’ monitoring of our river as well. This has been a tremendous assistance to our local EMO and volunteer resources.
I would also like to thank Mr. Kevin Rowe
from
MACA for his assistance in helping our residents through the claims process. I know there were still some concerns about the after-the-fact reimbursement, but thankfully, there is financial assistance available.
Mr. Speaker, I would be remiss not to acknowledge again the input of our resident flood watcher with
much historic and traditional knowledge of our river, Red McBryan, who celebrated his 89th birthday
aboard the charter for the aerial view of the river into Alberta.
Mr.
Speaker, besides the work still underway
related to cleanup and repairs, we continue with the boil-water order. In cooperation with the Town of Hay River, mayor, council and Public Works, I remain hopeful that a long-term solution to the water intake treatment and storage can be developed to avoid this boil-water order — which is prolonged, at this time of year — in future years.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.