Two weeks after a failed dam sent a destructive torrent of mud and debris down upon homes and farms in Oliver, B.C., questions remain about how the affected are going to rebuild their lives, and who is going to pay for it.
Five homes were destroyed and another two were severely damaged when mud, rock and boulders swept down Testalinden Creek on June 13. B.C. Solicitor General Mike de Jong announced shortly after that the province's Disaster Financial Assistance program would provide aid to the victims.
Because events such as floods and mudslides are uninsurable, the DFA will cover eligible claims of up to $300,000 for damage caused in the slide – but some worry it won't nearly meet their needs.
Kathy Mercier and her husband lost nearly everything in the slide. Their home and two-acres of their Merlot vineyard were both buried, and visiting the remnants to salvage what few belongings they can is like a cruel joke. "This was a nice house," she said.
Kirk Casselman was renting a home off Highway 97 when the slide hit. He returned after the disaster to find nothing left. "You can't tell I had anything in here. No couch, no TV, no fish tank, nothing," he said. "I had to buy some clothes, some clothes for my boy."
Since the province was alerted to problems at a nearby reservoir two days before the dam let go, but failed to act, hopes are high that a review into the disaster will hold the government accountable and recommend added support for victims.
"The funding available for them now is not enough," said Allan Patton, area director for the Okanagan-Similkameen Regional District. "We're hoping that review will come back and show some responsibility."
In the mean time, members of the community are coming together for a fundraiser on Sunday night at the Rustico Farm & Cellars. Donations will be accepted, and 50 per cent of select wine sales will go to the Mudslide Victims Relief Fund.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Kent Molgat
