Since the flooding began in High River communication from its Mayor Emile Blokland has been criticized. Beginning Wednesday, the Town of High River has agreed to do daily briefing to keep its community up to date. These briefings will take place at 12:30 local time.
The town currently remains under an evacuation order due to the danger of water, sinkholes and unsafe roads. Many High River residents are still unable to return to their homes. Everyone must be out of High River so officials can complete securing the town and find any invisible safety hazards.
At today’s briefing Premier Alison Redford agreed with the decisions make by Mayor Blokland, that it was too soon for residents to return to their homes and that it is still not safe. She also said that the province was making the community a first priority. Redford has announced 1 billion dollars in support for relief centres, bridges and infrastructure, a large portion of this will go to High River.
HighRiverresidents will also be the first to receive preloaded debit cards. Rapid deployment teams are ready to start distributing the cards to High River residents Thursday. The province is also working with chiefs and councils of first nations to distribute debit cards to residents of their community.
A plan is currently being formulated to get people back into their homes as quickly and safely as possible. In the meantime, those who remain unable to return home due to flooding, should first register with the Red Cross through redcross.ca or call 1-866-696-6484.
