BURST
The B.C. Conservatives are calling on the NDP government to revisit a decision not to provide financial aid to Chilliwack River Valley residents whose homes are now valued at $2 because of increased landslide risk.
In a news release, the Conservatives demanded the government release internal records and explain why protecting a road was worth millions in 2009, but protecting people today is worth just $2.
The Conservatives pointed to a recent Postmedia investigation that revealed the province spent $2.25 million to buy out two landslide-threatened properties in Chilliwack Lake Road, one in 2009 and another in 2011.
But today, six families in the same area face similar risks but have been denied all compensation or support , noted the Conservatives.
The properties have been valued at $2 by the B.C. Assessment Authority, as reported earlier by Postmedia.
“You can’t live in the home, you can’t fix it, you’re told to keep paying the mortgage, and then they have the audacity to offer you two dollars. What does that say about this government’s priorities?” said Á’a:líya Warbus, the Conservative MLA for Chilliwack-Cultus Lake and Opposition House Leader.
The six Chilliwack River Valley property owners were refused financial help from the province after their homes were classified as unsafe to live in following heavy rains from an atmospheric river in November 2021 that caused billions in damage in B.C. and killed five people.
The province has said no financial assistance was available because their homes were not actually damaged.
But Warbus said the B.C. government is hiding behind claims of technical policy advice instead of showing compassionate leadership.
She explained the Conservatives would like to see all correspondence on the government’s decision, including how it was elevated, through which ministry or ministries, the basis for the decision, and how it was communicated.
To the residents, it feels like nobody cares, said Warbus.
Chris Rampersad, one of the six homeowners, said the increasing attention on their plight is helpful.
“The problem can’t be ignored any longer, and the government can’t say the case is closed. Some of the answers from government contradict their own policies,” said Rampersad, who continues to pay a mortgage on a home he can’t live in.
Macklin McCall, the Conservative critic for emergency management, added the province is dodging its duty to protect and represent people.
He noted that other provinces offer buyouts and British Columbians deserve the same.
“This isn’t the first time the NDP has ignored its responsibilities. It’s a pattern,” said McCall. “Instead, we’re watching the government pass the buck while families are left stranded, again.”
In Postmedia’s reporting, the province has not responded to questions about why it does not have a provincial buyout program. Other provinces have bought homes at risk from floods and slides, including in Alberta, Quebec, New Brunswick and Newfoundland.
The B.C. Emergency Management Ministry has said buyouts are the responsibility of municipal and regional governments.
But the Union of B.C. Municipalities has said local governments do not have the revenue to take on such costs or risks.
Trish Mandewo, the president of the Union of B.C. Municipalities, said earlier that since attention had been brought to this issue it is clear there is a policy gap that needs to resolved because climate change means landslides and other natural hazard risks are only going to increase.