Image Credit: Flickr / Province of BC

By Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Government must step up to rebuild and protect our communities

Apr 7, 2022 | 2:07 PM

IT’S BEEN TRULY AMAZING to see the outpouring of generosity and caring that continues to this day, nearly six months after November’s atmospheric river and flooding. That community support has been vital as the recovery process unfolds, as we know how painful and exhausting these circumstances are for the many people trying to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.

That process has been helped along by some fantastic fundraising efforts, including the Hell or High Water concert and online telethon which took place last month. It featured musical performances, messages, vignettes, videos from dignitaries and musicians, as well as a live concert from the Clarke Foundation Theatre in Mission — all to raise money for the fire and flood-ravaged communities of Merritt, Lytton, Monte Lake, Princeton and Abbotsford and surrounding First Nation communities.

I would like to thank everyone who took part and who donated to this cause, and the many organizers and contributors including the Brothers of TouriCountry Iconssm, EH Canada Travel, Kenny Hess, the Rotary Club of Merritt and the CNA representing many First Nations in our region. So far, close to $950,000 has been raised and there is still an opportunity to donate online at https://hellorhighwater.ca/donate/.

On top of fundraising efforts like this one, there has been an outpouring of support on the ground. Local residents have opened up their homes to those who find themselves without shelter. Businesses have offered food and other necessities and comforts to those who have lost everything. Neighbours have helped neighbours simply get through each day. It’s been heartwarming to see this level of compassion and energy at the local level, but we need to see more at the provincial level.

In Merritt, hundreds of people remain homeless and unable to return to their properties. Debris flow from the atmospheric river is still an issue, with the government slow to remove items that could pose further hazards to infrastructure if not dealt with soon. With spring freshet upon us, this government also needs to make good on its stated climate change goals and take action to protect the community against future disasters. The province must work with municipalities who have put together their own plans to mitigate risks.

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Hopefully, the kindness and generosity being shown by the people of Merritt and beyond will inspire the government to step up its efforts to help our communities recover and position themselves as well as they can for future emergency situations.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.