A municipal letter sent out regarding hazard removal deadlines for ash, debris, and other wildfire results has rubbed some residents the wrong way because of the wording. Municipal officials defend the wording used saying that it is a legal requirement. Letters with demolition orders have been sent to all property owners whose property was destroyed when the wildfire came through the area, with the goal of ensuring that the recovery process goes as quickly and smoothly as possible. Some residents felt that the phrase “remedy dangers and unsightly property” was too harsh though. Yvonne Ormson whose Waterways home was destroyed said “It’s not rocket science that you shouldn’t be talking to people that way. The fact that it’s unsightly, I mean, I’m aware of that. That was my life there. Thirty-two years of marriage, a pile of ashes.”

The municipal letter with the hazard removal deadlines could have been perceived differently if there was a cover letter that softened the blow, however the cover letter included with the demolition order simply repeated what the order said. A statement from the municipality explained “These Orders are crucial to recovery, but we acknowledge the distress that they have caused some of our residents. Please be assured that our thoughts are with the recipients of these Orders, as they have suffered the most as a result of the wildfire.” Mayor Melissa Blake expressed regret at how the letters were perceived, saying that “If you had just stapled that to the front of the package that would have been fine. I will admit that we probably didn’t need to use the word unsightly, but ‘order to remedy dangers’ is really what this is about. If I can say anything I will say that I am deeply sorry for any offence that the wording has caused.”