Development ban lifted in 2 Fort McMurray wildfire-ravaged neighbourhoods

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo has announced it has liftedthedevelopment restriction for Beacon Hill and Abasand,twoFort McMurrayneighbourhoods hit hard by the wildfire.

Development was temporarily restricted by thechief medical officer of health who said the area had to be deemed "fit for human habitation."

This allows the city to start accepting and approving development and building permits submitted bycontractors.

"This is an important step forward for our residents who have been patiently waiting to begin rebuilding in Abasand and Beacon Hill," said councillor Sheldon Germainof the Wood Buffalo Recovery Committee in a release.

On Wednesday, reentry to the neighbourhoods began for the first time since the fire hit in early May.

"Residents are able to start rebuilding immediately once their applications have been processed and permits have been issued," Germain said.

"The permits will authorize the immediate pouring of foundations or placement of pilings, with the remainder of the rebuild to proceed once bylaw 16/011 is formally repealed by council on September 20."

The decision does not apply to Waterways.

The wildfire, nicknamed The Beast, ripped through the northern Alberta city, destroying 2,400 homes and buildings and forcing the evacuation of more than 90,000 residents from theoilsands region.