The Village of Cache Creek has two dozen applications in to the government for funding infrastructure rebuilding projects, and is waiting to hear which have been approved, which need adjudicating, and which have been rejected.
“We should start hearing within the next two weeks,” said Cache Creek Mayor John Ranta. The applications were submitted on July 2, but the officials who will be looking at the applications are also examining the recent floods in Kamloops, which Ranta indicated might slow down the process.
Among the applications are funding for upper and lower Old Cariboo Road, as well as for two culverts under the road which need attention; an irrigation ditch behind Valleyview; support for the Village in the absence of a permanent CAO and CFO; a Lopez Creek watercourse study; the fire hall; and the park, its parking lot, and the ball diamond.
While residential landscaping is not covered under provincial disaster funding, Ranta believes that restoring the park will be approved. “When High River, Alberta was flooded [in 2013] one of the first things the provincial government approved was restoration of the park,” he said. “A park is considered to be a necessary component of public life, and qualifies for funding.”
As of July 2, provincial funding for residents who had been displaced from their homes came to an end, but as far as Ranta knows all those who were staying in motels have either been able to return to their homes or have found alternative accommodation.
Requests for volunteers, as well as applications to help out, are being handled by the Village Office. “Not many people are asking for help now,” said the mayor, but added that if any residents still need assistance they should contact the Village Office, which has a list of the names of volunteers on file.
Ranta expressed his appreciation for the support and contributions of communities throughout the province. “Ashcroft, Abbotsford, Hope, Clearwater, 100 Mile House, and other communities in the local area and beyond came through with offers of help and volunteers. It was heartwarming to see the province pull together to help a community in need.”
Barbara Roden