Hidden Valley residents allowed in

Times Contributor

 

Three weeks after the flood, no offer for heavy equipment to clear debris, or offers for fire crews to ensure safe entry to Hidden Valley Golf Resort (HVGR) homes had been received. The week prior to July 9, homeowners had been given a bus tour of the resort; however, were unable to enter homes. Homeowner Board President Gary Nason said they had put measures in place to ensure everyone’s safety and drain the site of flood water. They then had to wait for Health Canada clearance.

“Nobody wanted to get into there more than me,” said Nason.

On July 10, health inspections were completed and the area lockdown was lifted. Residents were allowed organized re-entry to retrieve some of their valuables. Masks with N95 rating are mandatory, so contaminants and mould are not inhaled. Ventilation of the home an hour before entering was needed. Houses marked with red, green, black X’s or yellow tape may have overhead danger, so caution was indicated. A list of supplies www.hvgr.ca recommended to enter the homes must be brought in with those gaining entry.

Some doorways have been opened, but many houses are not structurally sound. Blocked roadways were opened on July 12, and road repairs are being paid for by the province through Tom Little Child, the Siksika Fire Chief. There is still no power or electricity. 

To provide some relief from dealing with loss and the cleanup, a golf tournament is being organized to give residents a time to relax and enjoy time together. It will be held July 27. Registration will be at 1 p.m. with a shotgun start at 2 p.m. The cost is $109 per person which includes: driving range, 18 holes, cart and dinner. For more information e-mail epicure-janet@abnet.ca.

A topic still remains under stagnant water for HVGR homeowners and may delay rebuilding in the area. It concerns the soon expired lease with Siksika Nation. 

The band had made no previous movement to renew the lease prior to the flood. Many homeowners speculated there is not much incentive to rebuild and many may want to walk away without initiating complete cleanup efforts. 

“Have patience we have numbers put together that assess what it would cost to rebuild the resort. But, we have to have answers of what the Chief and Council will say,” said Nason. “There are all sorts of things going on. We have our legal counsel looking into things. There is no need for anyone else to run around getting legal counsel at this point. We will have the right answers, shortly.”

New provincial regulations on rebuilding may also have an impact on decisions to rebuild.

The HVGR Board will organize a general meeting to discuss issues and concerns next month.