First Information Forum On Flood

By 250 News

Prince George, B.C. -  It was the first of what's promised to be a weekly event for the duration of the Nechako flooding crisis -- a community information forum.

Approximately 70 people turned out to the two-hour event at the Prince George Civic Centre.  Those in attendance heard from a panel of nine speakers, most city officials involved in differing aspects of dealing with the crisis.

As he did last night for city councillors, Fire Chief Jeff Rowland gave an overview of the flood situation - how many people are out of their homes, the number of pumps still working and dikes in place, etc.  (Click here for previous story)

Forum attendees also heard about a technical assessment team that was assembled shortly after the initial flooding occurred on December 11th to assess the homes and businesses evacuated.  The City's Manager of Current Planning, Dan Milburn, said the team consists of engineers, BC Hydro, Northern Health, and city and Terasen officials -- they've completed 45 inspections since December 17th and provided reports to the home and business owners.

Provincial Emergency Program rep, Michael Higgins, spoke, in general terms, about the Disaster Financial Assistance Program available to those affected by the flooding and a specialist had been brought in for the evening to discuss specific concerns with individuals, at a booth set up in the Civic Centre's main concourse.  With today marking Day 43 of the flooding crisis, Higgins said the city is having an event that exceeds anything gone through by most other communities.

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