MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - County council has been briefed on the province’s updated Disaster Recovery Program (DRP) and its possible impact on the county in the event of future disasters.
The review came during a recent regularly scheduled council meeting, held by teleconference.
The program provides financial assistance to qualified applicants to help restore uninsurable property lost or damaged by a disaster to its basic, pre-disaster functional condition.
It applies to private and public sectors and includes a funding limit of $500,000 per application and cost sharing of 90:10 with the province covering 90 per cent and the applicant 10 per cent, council heard.
“Not only are they continuing to reduce our ability to have revenue, now we are expected to deal with any disaster,” said Reeve Bruce Beattie. “It’s extremely concerning.”
Coun. Angela Aalbers says she has “huge concerns” with the updated plan.
“I think this decision just is purely being driven by costs and any way the province can now figure out a way not to pay for a flood event or damages through a flood event. I think that is the way they are kind of viewing all of these projects,” said Aalbers.
The plan applies to flooding and other disasters, said Ryan Morrison, director of operational services.
In a release received by the county, the province said the program has been changed to ensure the program remains viable.
“The cost and frequency of disasters in Alberta are increasing and the province needs a more sustainable approach to disaster recovery. By implementing a stronger framework to deal with emergencies and disasters, these changes will help ensure the DRP can continue to be available for Albertans when they need it most.”
In the same release the province said while the program remains available for all qualifying applicants, Albertans “living in high-risk areas are encouraged to consider relocating or mitigating risks to their properties.”
Council accepted the update as information.
