From the Editor…
As I sit down to finally write the editorial this week I am unsure where to begin. I recently read the Flood Mitigation Report for Perth-Andover and Tobique First Nation as well as many news articles about the report and its recommendations. I have heard and read many comments in regards to who’s to blame, who’s to fix it and I still sit here awaiting what the Province is going to do.
I have my house nearly back to pre-flood condition but still have not installed any heating system as I would like to know if my house is being moved or not before I decide on a source. There are others in the village that have done nothing to their properties because they to want to know about relocation or flood proofing options before they decide what to do. Time is running short for a relocation plan this year as well as any flood proofing measures unless we start filling sand bags now. Perhaps we should drain the Beechwood head pond this fall and winter to give us a little more time and sense of security as we figure this out.
I was told by our MLA Wes McLean there will in fact be announcements this week by the Government pertaining to the Flood Mitigation Report. I can only hope that we get what our village, businesses and residents want and deserve. I personally plan to have my house moved to higher ground whenever a relocation plan is announced where the threat of the river will not be a problem. There are others that do not have that option so I really hope there are measures taken for flood proofing our business properties or other properties that cannot be moved as we need to maintain our business core because if we lose it there won’t be much need for anything.
As I read articles on the report there were also many comments posted in regards to these stories, some were good, some were not. I believe everyone is entitled to an opinion but some people commenting about “us stupid people who choose to live in a flood plain” or “Why should we buy you a new house you should have known you lived in a flood plain” and “why did you remain in the flood plain after you got all that money the last time”. I for one did not live in a flood plain prior to 2012; my house is over 120 years old and has never flooded before this year. This is the reality for most affected this year, century old buildings previously unaffected. I don’t know what or if one specific factor caused the flooding but I do concur with the masses that extreme weather patterns and hydroelectric dams are to blame. Those that thought we received a lot of money or say why didn’t you move or you should move, well I didn’t get enough to move or I would have. Why did I fix my home back up that’s still in a flood zone, because I had no other choice? Do I pray every day there will be relocation-yes? There are many other properties that had been previously flood proofed but the flood proofing wasn’t enough as this years’ flood water was nearly 5 feet higher than any other flood in history. You are entitled to your opinion I just wish you gave it a little thought or research first. Perth-Andover has been flooded 19 times with many blamed on NB Power Beechwood Hydro generating station as 14 floods have happened since the dam was built in the mid-fifties with the first one in 1958. Coincidence? Most of the houses and businesses flooded think not but that is our educated opinion. We are told the possibility of a larger flood is possible and predictable. Great!
So as I move ahead to finish repairs to my house I know it is a long road for everyone involved, I urge everyone to work together to resolve this constant flood problem. If we stand together we can achieve anything. There may be bumps in the road but working together and starting new groups such as the community garden and the new business group “yet to be named” will build the spirit and beautify this wonderful village. I look forward to future of Perth-Andover.
On a completely different topic I would like to remind everyone that Wednesday September 19, from 4:30 to 7:30 PM is Valley Solid Waste Household Hazardous and E-Waste Pickup day in Perth-Andover at the municipal garage next to the hospital. The collection is for residential waste and includes things like household cleaners, batteries, pesticides, paints as well as electronic waste like old computer equipment and telephones. For a full list visit: http://valleysolidwaste.com/household.htm. This free service helps keep hazardous waste out of landfills and water supplies. I know I have a considerable amount gathered up since the flood and urge everyone to utilize this service. I would like to remind people of the recycling bins for cardboard, tin cans, newspaper and plastic. They are located; Perth Side behind Post Office and Andover side Civic Center Parking lot.
Thanks,
Jonathan Gagnon
