It’s been nearly a year since the so-called “once-in-a-generation flood” swept through Westlock and area on Aug. 22.
And the town and ratepayers are still cleaning up the damage. The town submitted disaster relief claims on behalf of residents back in December, yet the province has not said a word, or given a hint as to what is happening.
Last the town heard the province would make a decision in Cabinet in April. Well, we’re halfway through June and still no answer.
The town only made 50 claims, so how long could that really take? Correct us if we’re wrong, but we believe the province is still sorting through 2013 flood claims from southern Alberta, so that might illuminate our government’s efficiency.
The Alberta Emergency Management Agency is likely wading through disaster recovery claims from Fort McMurray, if they are eligible for compensation at all, but there must be some way to expedite the process.
Hire more people perhaps? Put Albertans back to work? But alas, their wages have to come from somewhere and that’s another editorial for another day.
Maybe it’s not as bad as we think and the claims will be approved tomorrow. It’s hard to even say where the provincial government is within the process, as calls from both town council and Westlock News have gone unanswered.
We know as much as you do.
In the meantime, basements in town were blessed with a second nasty and sewage-y surprise after last week’s rainfall.
Our local municipalities are going to have to step up in some way and prepare for more natural disasters so that the next time a flash flood comes ripping through here, it won’t be as bad.
Infrastructure isn’t cheap but it’s a necessary expense. And with pipes and ditches and drains getting older each year, the cost is only growing.
The town will have to make some big investment decisions when it comes to its storm water system and the same can be said of the county’s gravel roads. If you want something to last, you have to do it right and pay up. And yes, that means you taxpayers.
In the meantime, we’ll have to take town Coun. John Shoemaker’s suggestion and eat some cake.
