The Editor:
This is in response to the editorial titled Government failed Roche Percee published on April 17, 2013. I would like to address a number of statements concerning the Government of Saskatchewan's support for Roche Percee's 2011 Provincial Disaster Assistance Program (PDAP) claims and recovery; plans for a new residential development; and support for potential flooding in 2013. Many communities suffered significant damage from flooding in 2011. In the village of Roche Percee, numerous homes built in what has historically been a flood plain, were rendered uninhabitable and the berm protecting the area was severely compromised.
The provincial government has programs to help citizens in these situations including PDAP. To date, PDAP has made over $7 million in payments to permanent, primary residents and almost $900,000 to the Village to repair essential community infrastructure. Out of 134 claims submitted, only four of them, along with the Village claim, remain open.
The Water Security Agency (WSA) contracted a consultant to determine feasibility and costs of building a berm to provide one in 500 year flood protection. The assessment indicated that it would cost $6 million to build this berm and it would not meet the community's flood protection needs unless it was unrealistically large and was built on top of many of the lots it was meant to protect.
In addition, the ministries of Health, Government Relations, Highways and Infrastructure, Social Services along with WSA, SaskPower, SaskTel and the Red Cross were on site and available to provide support to Roche Percee throughout the response and recovery phases of this flood.
On October 26, 2012, I had responded by letter to Mayor Penna confirming that the government is not able to provide funds for the proposal to develop a 10-acre parcel of land purchased by the Village.It is inaccurate to state the Village has not been given a clear and definitive response by the provincial government about funding for this proposed residential development.
Government Relations supports the initiative of the Village to find suitable alternatives for development outside the flood prone areas and to recover from the 2011 flood. The ministry recently met with the Mayor and has established a Ministry team to provide additional support to this community. Ministry staff met with the Village on a number of occasions, the last being April 18, to discuss the development of an official community plan and bylaws to support the recovery and future growth of Roche Percee, including zoning for the 10-acre land parcel purchased by the municipality. Staff also reviewed their 2011 municipal PDAP claim and a further payment will be forthcoming.
Since January of this year, Government Relations and WSA have been in contact with Mayor Penna and councillors on 10 different occasions to offer information and support in an effort to prepare the village for flooding this spring. They have also been in direct contact with residents living in the flood plain, recommending the development of individual household emergency plans and are assisting the Village with respect to community emergency planning.
Your local MLA Doreen Eagles has continued to advocate on Roche Percee's behalf, ensuring that their concerns are being properly addressed by our government as we work to help the community to recover. We will continue to work with the Village of Roche Percee to ensure they develop the capacity to address local issues, deliver services and provide safe and desirable living conditions for its residents.
Jim Reiter
Minister of Government Relations
Minister Responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs
