New help for evacuees

Photo: Contributed

Premier John Horgan was in Grand Forks Wednesday to survey the flood recovery effort and announce new support for residents forced from their homes by disaster.

In partnership with the Red Cross, the recovery transition program will provide residents with up to $2,800 over 90 days to help with living expenses.

The new system will try to bridge the gap between when emergency social services runs out and when people can actually return home.

“There are still a number of homes that are not able to be occupied,” Horgan said during a media call Wednesday afternoon.

“Questions about if we rebuild on the same locations, or find new locations within Grand Forks, whether it be Crown land or land owned by the city of regional district, are being discussed by the region tonight at a town hall.”

The recovery transition program will be launched in Grand Forks, but will also be available to residents impacted by wildfire this summer.

"We can't overstate the impact on communities and families during times of disaster," said Kimberley Nemrava, Canadian Red Cross vice-president for British Columbia and Yukon. "With the support of generous British Columbians, and in close collaboration with the government, we are pleased to be able to provide this assistance."

Horgan urged British Columbians to donate to the recovery effort in Grand Forks through the Red Cross, noting the province is still matching donations dollar for dollar.

“We also have significant infrastructure issues to address with the river, the flyover is quite graphic to see the damage in place after the waters receded.” he said. “The community is desperate for help.”