Some North Westside residents insist government bureaucracy has left them high and dry.

Four families in the Fintry High Farm area had their bridge and road washed out by and repair work has been stalled as they attempt to get the necessary permits and disaster assistance.

香蕉视频直播淚t is extremely frustrating to wait all summer for paperwork and then be told we might not even get to start before winter as we have to wait some more,香蕉视频直播� said Jason Souch, one of the residents eight kilometres from Westside Road.

香蕉视频直播淐urrently, we have a vehicle on each side of the creek so we have to walk across creek and transfer supplies.香蕉视频直播�

One family has received disaster assistance, and only for their driveway, with the rest denied due to technicalities.

香蕉视频直播淲hen the valley was subdivided in the 1970s, easements were given for road access but none mention the bridge. We were denied as we couldn香蕉视频直播檛 prove responsibility for the bridge because it香蕉视频直播檚 not on our property,香蕉视频直播� said Souch.

香蕉视频直播淭he landowner whose property it is on was denied as it香蕉视频直播檚 not his primary residence even though his daughter lives there with her three children.香蕉视频直播�

Engineers were hired in August and reports were completed by Thanksgiving so the families could apply for a permit to fix the creek and build new abutments.

香蕉视频直播淣ow we hear the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources is still so backed up it could be three to six months for a $250 permit,香蕉视频直播� said Souch.

香蕉视频直播淚t is unbelievable how our province can be so behind in processing applications from the spring. If there is a disaster and people can香蕉视频直播檛 get to their homes, is that not more of a priority than fixing peoples docks and beaches? Is a community that shares a bridge not entitled to some financial assistance to make things right?香蕉视频直播�

Work during the winter could increase costs because of snow.

香蕉视频直播淚f we cannot repair the damage before spring runoff, we will be faced with more land loss, no access to properties and more log jams that will affect everyone down Shorts Creek, Westside Road and Fintry,香蕉视频直播� said Souch.

The Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resources says it understands the importance of access for everyone affected by the spring flooding.

香蕉视频直播淲ith regard to this particular application, a permit application was submitted Oct. 11, and given the type of bridge they want to build, ministry staff need to see a full design, to ensure the structure is safe and does not fail a second time,香蕉视频直播� states the ministry.

香蕉视频直播淔irst Nations consultation is also required. Ministry staff will prioritize review of the application.香蕉视频直播�

In terms of disaster financial assistance, Emergency Management B.C. says it provides or reinstates the necessities of life, including help to repair and restore damaged homes not land damage.

香蕉视频直播淔or a homeowner, assistance is available to restore a principal residence. DFA is not intended to cover all losses. It is not a government insurance program.香蕉视频直播�

DFA has received more than 800 flood-related applications and paid more than $2 million in compensation.

richard@vernonmorningstar.com
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