N.L. extends housing assistance for residents affected by C.B.N. wildfire
CBC
The Progressive Conservative government says it's committed to helping residents in Conception Bay North rebuild after a summer of devastating wildfires, and started by extending housing assistance for those who lost their homes.
The temporary housing assistance program was put in place by the previous Liberal government in August. It offered $1,000 per month for households who could stay in private accommodations, like with family and friends, if their primary residence was uninhabitable, and $1,500 per month if they had to rent somewhere to live.
On Thursday, Justice and Public Safety Minister Helen Conway Ottenheimer announced the program will now extend until at least March 31, 2026.
Forty-five households are availing of the program, she said, with six more conditionally approved. Extending the program is anticipated to cost around $292,000.
The largest wildfire in the region this summer, known as the Kingston wildfire, destroyed over 200 homes.
Speaking with reporters on Thursday, Conway Ottenheimer said government has also created a new cabinet committee to focus on wildfire recovery and to ensure residents have the support they need.
She'll serve as committee chair, alongside Municipal and Community Affairs Minister Chris Tibbs, Finance Minister Craig Pardy and Housing Minister Joedy Wall.
"There's been much uncertainty and much anxiety waiting to hear what's happening next. And that's why it's very important for us to make these initial steps," Conway Ottenheimer said.
Discussions are also continuing with unincorporated communities affected by the fire.
Tina Bursey, representing Kingston on an unincorporated towns committee, told CBC News that Thursday's announcements made her and other residents feel heard.
"It's such a big relief for the people in our community who do have to rent, that did lose their homes. Now they don't have to worry about this through Christmas and the winter," Bursey said.
The previous Liberal government also had a cabinet committee to help support residents, led by Waterford Valley MHA Jamie Korab.
Conway Ottenheimer didn't say if she or other members of the new committee had spoken to the previous committee when asked by reporters — instead she said they chose to prioritize meetings with residents in the days after they were sworn in as MHAs.
"I think that's the key for the people, they want to know that there's communication, that they're being heard, that they're being listened to. And that is something that we are fully committed to," she said.
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