Author: Shelly W

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Economic Ft Mac Politics

Wildrose Leader Brian Jean Pushes for Rebuilding Fort McMurray ASAP After Weekend Visit

After a recent weekend visit and tour of Fort McMurray Wildrose leader Brian Jean has urged rebuilding as soon as possible, and stated that there was still a lot of frustration and anger in the local community. Jean explained that people were angry at the rebuilding pace and concerned about the uncertainty, as well as fears that local businesses in the community wil be left behind as Fort McMurray moves forward. Jean said “We have a tremendous opportunity, notwithstanding the cloud of darkness surrounding Fort McMurray, and that opportunity is a $3.6-billion reconstruction and stimulus to our economy, We should be taking full advantage of that. Look at social media and my phone is ringing off the hook these days. People are absolutely frustrated with the pace of rebuilding. I urge all who have the ability to award contracts here in Fort McMurray to use their due diligence, and understand this boost to our economy can help their families and families’ friends.”

The pace of rebuilding in Fort McMurray has started off slow, and it was just very recently that the first rebuilding permits were issued by the municipality. There was also some anger at letters sent out by the municipality with demolition orders because of how the letters were worded. Many in the community are extremely frustrated but feel there is little they can do. The damage that the wildfire caused was extensive and rebuilding will take time but many residents feel that the pace could be a little quicker. There have also been logistical issues due to the amount of debris and rubble that needs to be cleared and taken to the landfill because contractors needed to be found who could handle a project of this size and scope. Hopefully the pace will start to pick up now and the rebuilding process will go smoothly.

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Economic Ft Mac Health Politics

Municipal Landfill Opens Around the Clock for Demolition Debris

Commercial traffic can now take demolition debris to the municipal landfill around the clock, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, as Fort McMurray and Wood Buffalo continue with the recovery process. The announcement was made last week after the council voted on June 28 to approve an amendment bylaw for noise so that the landfill could have continuous around the clock operation. Some neighbourhoods were completely destroyed by the fire, and others saw large areas of destruction. The amount of debris and rubble that must be removed before the community can move forward is enormous, and deadlines for hazard and debris removal given to property owners are also a consideration. According to a municipal release “The Municipality extended the hours with residents in mind, in an effort to help them meet the deadlines to remove debris and backfill their properties.”

The municipal landfill has greatly expanded the hours that the commercial haulers can bring in demolition debris, although other commercial traffic and residents can not access the landfill around the clock in the same way. During a council meeting on August 2 the question of why the landfill had not already started operating on a 24/7 basis was asked by area resident J. Paul McLeod. Kevin Scoble, the deputy chief administrative officer, explained at the time that the landfill was working on gathering the additional staff, equipment, and other resources necessary to start around the clock operations. Commercial haulers must have an active municipal landfill account and a business license that they have registered with the municipality. Landfill accounts can only be set up during the normal business hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Ft Mac

Suspect Sought in Thickwood Hit and Run Accident

The Wood Buffalo RCMP is seeking help from the public in identifying a Thickwood hit and run suspect. The accident happened around 2 p.m. close to the Thickwood Boulevard Tim Hortons exit, and the vehicle struck a 26 year old female who was walking in the area on the sidewalk. The vehicle involved was a Chevrolet truck that was black, and the vehicle had four doors. The driver of the truck was a male Caucasian who was leaving Tim Hortons when he struck the pedestrian and then left the scene of the accident, heading east on Thickwood Boulevard. The pedestrian had minor injuries but did not require a trip to the hospital, and the police are looking for the hit and run driver.

The recent Thickwood hit and run is still under investigation and the driver of the vehicle could face several charges if he is found. Anyone who has any information about the accident, the vehicle, or the driver who fled the scene should contact the Crime Stoppers tip line at tipsbumit.com or by calling 1-800-222-8477. Tips can also be sent to the RCMP by calling 708-788-4000. A driver has a responsibility to stop any time an accident results in injury and failing to do so can be a criminal offense. This hit and run could have tuned out much worse, but even though the injuries were minor and did not require medical treatment this does not let the driver off the hook for hitting a pedestrian and then fleeing the accident.

Categories
Alberta Economic Ft Mac

Phone Scams Becoming More Common According to Wood Buffalo RCMP

According to the Wood Buffalo RCMP phone scams are becoming more common, and law enforcement is warning the community about these scams in the hope that fewer people will be victimized. Several complaints have been made to the police about scams and with software that can be programmed to display any number it is no surprise that the number for the Wood Buffalo RCMP is a target of the scammers. When the call comes in the number shows the police department number, and the scammer attempts to gain personal identifying details and banking information from the victim. A release by the department is warning residents about these scams so that they are prepared and they do not give out any information that could be used to commit crimes such as fraud or identity theft. According yo the release “Don’t be afraid to say no and hang up.”

The increase in phone scams reported to the Wood Buffalo RCMP is a problem that is growing everywhere as sophisticated technology makes it easier for a scam artist to appear to be a legitimate business or government entity. Social insurance numbers, bank account numbers, and other financial or identity information could be used to open accounts or receive fraudulent services or products. The Wood Buffalo RCMP will never request this information. Residents should always verify all the facts, and never give in to attempts to pressure or intimidate. These are warning signs that you are being scammed. Anyone who receives a suspicious phone call or thinks they have been the victim of a scam attempt should call the police immediately and report it.

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Alberta Ft Mac

Check Stop Leads to Firearm Charges for 25 Year Old Fort McMurray Resident

A check stop recently led to firearm charges against 25 year old Fort McMurray resident Cody Slade. An RCMP check stop was executed on Eagle Ridge Blvd. on August 6, and a short time before 1 a.m. a vehicle came through the stop which had a visible handgun on the floor located next to one of the passengers. According to Cst. Kandice Perry, the RCMP spokesperson, “It was in plain view.” The car contained 4 people and officers arrested all four at the scene while they determined who was actually in possession of the firearm. Eventually the driver and two of the passengers were released after it was determined that the gun was Slade’s. At the time of his arrest Cody was already on conditions, and the gun was not registered to him. Cst. Kandice Perry explained that “With his prior charges he would’ve been ordered to surrender all firearms and would’ve lost the right to possess or carry. The firearm was actually stolen.”

A number of firearms charges resulted from the check stop arrest. Cody Slade has been charged with unauthorized possession of a firearm, two counts of failing to comply, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, failure to surrender, and possession of property obtained by crime. This is not the first time that Slade has been charged with firearm charges either, his criminal history includes firearms offenses, drug charges, and assault charges. Cody has a total of nine convictions for the 3 charge offense types and he is only 25. Bail was denied and Slade will have a court appearance on August 29.

Categories
Ft Mac Health Politics

Municipal Letter Outlining Hazard Removal Deadines Rubs Some Residents the Wrong Way

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.”