Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, spent the day in Squamish on Friday (Oct. 12) with $3.5 million in his pocket.
After checking out the new RCMP Emergency Operations Centre with Inspector Norm McPhail and Constable Dave Ritchie, Day chose the police detachment as a background to announce a $3.5 million payment to the province for local 2003 flood damage.
He also commended the community for its quick response to the 2003 floods, which came at a time when the greatest risk seemed to be forest fire and drought.
When the disaster first struck, the municipality picked up the lion's share of the bills.
Roads were repaired, homeowners were reimbursed, and small businesses were given help getting back on track. According to mayor Ian Sutherland, many local emergency workers and district staff worked round-the-clock hours for ten days straight.
"That doesn't happen by accident. It's because people have the insight or the foresight to be able to plan, to be able to train," Day said.
In the aftermath, the province chipped into to help relieve the district of its costs. Day's payment from the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements marks the federal government's contribution.Joan McIntyre, MLA for West Vancouver-Garibaldi, was on hand to pick up the payment.
"This is the biggest cheque that I may ever receive," she said as she took hold of it. "It says that you recognize the importance of this area."
Mayor Ian Sutherland said the district would only see a small "trickle down" portion of the funding since the province has already reimbursed the town.
"You always want a little bit more but the formula makes sense," he said.
