Flooded High River homeowners complaints prompt government action

Owners of flood-damaged homes in High River have been told the province will resolve all outstanding claims for compensation by the summer.

Premier Jim Prentice made the announcement during a visit to the town on Saturday.

Prentice said the government will hire an additional 15 temporary caseworkers to deal with the claims. It will also provide $20 million in additional funding to help with repairs.

Local MLA Danielle Smith says the government has heard the complaints ofsome homeowners in the town about delays in receiving compensation for flood damage.

Many homeowners in the town have complained about lengthy waits in response to their flood-related claims. The town was inundated when the Highwood River overran its banks in June of 2013.

• BLOG:High River flood has forever changed the town, residents

At least 28 homes in the community of Hampton Hills are being bulldozed. It is expected that there will be more homes declared beyond repair in the community of Sunrise.

• Hampton Hills arbitration for flood victims set

According to one homeowner in Hampton Hills, who didn't want his name used, the past 18 months have been extremely frustrating. Hesays hehad his flood-damaged home repaired, but the mould returned.

"They have told me it's at the point where it has to be taken down but they haven't told me how bad it is, if I need to move out or not," he said.

High River Mayor Craig Snodgrass welcomed the announcement.

"This announcement is a huge step forward in order to meet the summer 2015 commitment," he wrotein a statement.