Noting most of the infrastructure is still intact, she said this will offer an opportunity to right-size the city since the energy slump left it with many vacant houses and high unemployment, resulting in the likelihood of many who were burned out to seek housing and work elsewhere.
Workers were drawn to the region with their families several years ago when the oilfields were booming. If energy companies cannot house workers and their families quickly, the workers will not stay.
Suncor Inc. Chief Executive Officer Steve Williams said the energy companies will support efforts in rebuilding the hospital, pipelines and the electrical distribution center, according to reuters.
Alberta Premier Rachel Notley said officials have to complete their assessments of the damage, set up transportation, and secure food and supplies before people can return. “There are hazardous materials and broken power lines. Basic services, gas, water, waste disposal, healthcare and much more needs to be re-established,” she said.
Troy Ferguson, CEO of modular work camp builder Redrock Group, said he has been contacted about the kind of housing he can supply and the timeline for installation.
Marc Roy, who was chief of staff for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) following Hurricane Katrina, said officials need to allocate resources carefully long term because some residents will likely not return. “Are you building with the hopes that you build a field of dreams and people come to fill it, or are you using your resources as wisely as you possibly can at the moment?” he said. “You just can’t put it back exactly like it was and make that your plan. That does not work.”
If a resident decides not to repair or rebuild, they will receive cash value for the home at the time of the loss, which could be less than homeowners expect since the oil downturn decreased values. ##
(Photo credit: reuters/Chris Wattie–Fort McMurray burned out in Canada)
