RDKB rescinds majority of evacuation alerts across the Boundary
By Boundary Sentinel
Now that threats from further flooding is decreasing throughout the Boundary region, the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary Emergency Operation Centre has rescinded evacuation alerts for Electoral Areas C, D, and E, including Christina Lake, Grand Forks and Midway on Saturday (May 26).
However, there are still nine (9) addresses on evacuation order for properties where there is still a threat to life safety.
Earlier Saturday, the Resilience Centre opened at the Grand Forks Curling Rink. At the Centre, flood-affected residents found staff from various agencies able to assist with the flood recovery process or provide referral to support services.
The Resilience Centre will be open daily 9am-6pm for the foreseeable future.
The RDKB also announced due to the extraordinary circumstances and wide-spread flooding damages to individuals, families and small businesses as a result of the recent flooding in the Boundary region, the Province of BC will cover tipping fees related to disposal of flood damaged materials.
- Those affected by flooding will not have to pay when bringing flood debris to local waste facility.
- Residents must present identification to waste facility staff that shows proof of name and address to confirm residence in a flood affected area.
- Facility staff will verify that the waste is flood impacted debris and confirm origin of waste, as well as document the weight and volume. Facilities will compile the transactions and send an invoice for the total amount to the Province for reimbursement.
- Hours at the Grand Forks Landfill have been extended from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.
- Other waste facilities across the RDKB will follow their regular hours listed at rdkb.com.
- Demolition or construction debris must go to a Class 1 landfill: either in Grand Forks or in Greenwood.
- All other debris can go to any waste facility across the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary.
- Flood waste should be separated as follows:
- Clean wood – branches, sticks, trees, clean dimensional lumber -material that will be chipped and composted.
- Fridges/Freezers – If the contents can be cleaned out, that’s great. If not, please secure the door/lid with tape or rope.
- Metal – appliances (fridges & freezers separate), furniture, toys and other metal.
- Hazardous materials: Please separate paint cans, batteries, propane tanks, tires and hazardous sprays.
- The Rest: This includes carpets, underlay, rugs, books, mattresses, furniture, insulation, drywall, clothes and plastic items.
- The Province and Regional District of Kootenay Boundary have agreed to an “aggregate billing process” to streamline the entire transaction process and not place an onerous up-front cash burden on individuals, families and small businesses.
- It is important to note, that the fees are not being waived. Applicable fees will be consolidated by the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary and then submitted to the Province for reimbursement.
- The Province of BC has committed to supporting and working with the Regional District and the community and people of Grand Forks throughout the recovery process.
