Final goodbye for Hidden Valley

 

Residents at Hidden Valley got their last look at their properties on Aug. 11. The entire resort has been reclassified as unfit for human habitation by Health Canada and is scheduled for demolition.

“We have been in touch with the provincial and federal government and expect word very soon as to their responsibility for clean-up,” said Hidden Valley Homeowner Association President Gary Nason. 

He said with the amount of damage at the site, it would be impossible for the homeowners to attempt clean-up themselves; however, he clarified that the association wants to be sure the site is left in an acceptable condition for the Siksika Nation.

Previous to the flooding, the association was hoping that renegotiations could occur with Siksika to enable residents to renew their leases.

“It is obvious that the flood has changed things,” said Nason. “One thing is for sure, the way it is now, it won’t be rebuilt,” said Nason.

He said there are a few salvageable cabins, but owners will have to make an appointment with Health Canada to assess the condition before they will be allowed to move them offsite; he encouraged homeowners to consider a building inspection for stability, before investing in a move. No one is allowed on-site without an appointment. Whether the residents would try to rebuild at another location was not certain. Upon initial investigation, Nason said there really wasn’t a site like Hidden Valley that could accommodate that many residents. Financial losses were also discouraging many of the residents.

Nason said huge losses experienced by many of the owners will follow them for many years to come.

“The major thing is that the government will not compensate the non-primary homeowners,” said Nason. “Many are blue collar workers and retirees.”

The owners want to let the government know that they continue to feel discriminated against by the lack of support. There were a lot of members who had life savings and retirement money tied up in their buildings. With 305 dwellings, the resort was bigger than some town sites in Alberta.

Nason said he is sad to see the site go; however, he hopes the community members will still keep in touch with one another. He feels the Facebook page will still be operational, long after the resort site has been levelled. There have been a few get-togethers at Speargrass Golf Course. Many of the residents formed lifelong friendships that he hoped would transcend this tragedy. 

“It was a unique and wonderful community. Everyone must look ahead and go forward from here. I hope they will stay in touch. Friends just don’t go away,” said Nason.