Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, the federal government has the National Disaster Mitigation Program which provides communities access to financial support for risk assessment, flood mapping, mitigation planning, and investments in nonstructural and smallscale structural mitigation projects. Municipal and local governments, public sector bodies, private sector bodies, Indigenous governments, and nongovernmental organizations can make applications to this program.
Madam Speaker, apart from raising the road along Riverview Drive, little appears to have been determined on what mitigation measures, if any, will be in place to prepare the community for spring breakup. Residents who reside in the West Channel, Old Town, Corridor, and Paradise Valley are concerned and are asking what mitigation efforts and solutions have been identified for the area they live in. They are looking for answers and some form of communication from both the Town of Hay River and this government.
Madam Speaker, the flood damage to Paradise Valley was extensive. The only access road was compromised requiring a temporary one to be constructed. The embankment between the access road and river had trees and grass removed which further degraded the stability of an already unstable bank. This, along with drainage, needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Madam Speaker, the Corridor itself was not spared from flooding and will require some form of berm between the river and homes. The downtown core and Cranberry Crescent areas will also require some form of berm for flood protection. The West Channel area situated along the lake requires repairs to the berm between the airport and the residential area. In addition, there is an issue with a watercourse, known as the Oxbow, which allowed water to flow inland from the lake during high water. A flood gate should be installed as a preventative measure. The Old Town itself has minimal in the way of flood protection. Consideration should be given to raising the perimeter road to serve as a berm, along with restoration of the harbour and channel.
Madam Speaker, I will expect this government to work with the Town of Hay River and Indigenous governments to identify and access funds under the national Disaster Mitigation Program to address solutions. Madam Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Unanimous consent granted
Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, for the benefit of Hay River and Katl'odeeche residents and businesses, there will be a meeting on harbour restoration and harbour flood mitigation with the Minister of Infrastructure tomorrow from 11am to 2pm at the Soaring Eagle Friendship Centre. Please attend if you can. Thank you.
Thank you, Member for Hay River South. Members' statements. Member for Nunakput.
