by CONNIE TABBERT
Editor
COBDEN — The flooding may be over, but the clean-up is just beginning for residents in the La Passe and Westmeath areas of Whitewater Region.
Jordan Durocher, the emergency co-ordinator for the township, spoke to council at its meting last night, about what it could do to help the residents who struggled to save their homes from high water, and are now wondering what they do now for remediation.
Council agreed to the suggestion that residents may return sand and sandbags to any of the nine locations roads crew dropped off the sand and sandbags during the flooding. The township staff will pick up what’s left and dispose of it.
However, Mr.Durocher questioned if tipping fees could be waived for garbage and debris, such as clothing, furniture, fridges, freezers, home renovation materials and other items that were destroyed by the water.
While there were some concerns residents may take advantage of the situation and bring items to the landfill site saying they are flood victims, acting physical services manager Steve Hodson isn’t.
“We’ve already had some in and we just ask for their address,” he said. “There will always be people trying to get in for free.
“But, 99 percent of people are honest.”
He did say if it appeared to be getting out of hand” it could be addressed again.
“I think we can keep it under control,” Mr. Hodson said.
Council agreed to waive the tipping fees.
Mr. Durocher also spoke about some residents hoping to have help from the township in removing the sandbags.
Councillor Charlene Jackson suggested the volunteer fire department be asked, but, the property owner must sign a waiver that the township will not be responsible for any damage, such as a truck getting stuck on the property which may cause damage.
Mayor Hal Johnson suggested getting the local Mennonite community to help. However, there were concerns the township would be liable if any of them were injured, because it was asking for help.
It was agreed to ask the firefighters to help and provide the phone numbers of the Mennonite community to the residents.
Mr. Durocher also noted the Red Cross held two information sessions, one in Westmeath and another in La Passe, this past week. There’s discussion now for the Red Cross to host an information session on how to be prepared for any disaster that could happen in the future.
Councillor Chris Olmstead questioned if there are money in reserves for disaster situations.
When the answer was no, he said, “I think we should,” with Chief Administrative Officer Robert Tremblay agreeing.
