The RMWB is once again asking for assistance from the provincial and federal governments to help with the flood response.
Wood Buffalo council held a special meeting on Wednesday where they approved three separate motions brought forward by Mayor Don Scott.
They’re asking the GoA to immediately provide disaster relief funding, that the government of Canada provide financial assistance to those impacted and move forward with outstanding flood mitigation.
“There has never been, as far as I’m aware, a situation like this where residents have gone through a flood at the same time as a pandemic, at the same time as a boil water advisory – there’s a lot happening in this region and we want to take the stress away from residents as much as we can,” said Scott.
Council also approved asking the province to include all costs associated with towing vehicles within DRP funding.
They’re also seeking to have residents who did not register at the start of the evacuation but have since registered with the Canadian Red Cross be reimbursed for their food and accommodation costs they occured while away from their homes.
“I believe that if the municipality asked people to evacuate, for good reason, then we should at the same time covering their costs,” added Scott.
Meanwhile, the municipality is planning to reduce water billings fees for homes impacted by the boil water advisory. There’s no other details available at this time.
Also, they’re amending the land use bylaw that requires everyone applying for a business license for work revolving around the flood to have a local address for at least 90 days prior to the state of local emergency being declared. The RMWB is committed to ensuring as many local businesses get contracts, legally, during this time.
RV parking restrictions are also being relaxed so residents, impacted by the flood, can live in these vehicles on their property until August 31, 2020.
The RMWB is also creating a flood response bylaw to ensure reduced fees, specifically at the landfill, continue to be reduced after the SOLE is lifted.