Driving west along Highway 1A, where the land of the Wesley band of the Stoney Nakoda Nation was once open and expansive, one can now see a temporary community set up.
Some 48 mobile home units have been placed on the land, in response to the overflow of Morley flood victims from the epic June floods; many of the affected families were temporarily relocated to the Nakoda Lodge, west of Morley.
“The provincial government has stepped up and they’re helping out with housing – similar to what they have done in other places affected by the floods,” explained Wesley CEO, Hopeton Louden.
“Over time, we’ve had to move out more Wesley band members because of the discovery of black mould and septic field issues following the flood,” he said, adding that the government’s projection is to house people there for at least 18 months.
The other two Nation bands, Bearspaw and Chiniki, will be joining forces to set up a similar temporary housing solution, along the south ridge overlooking the Nakoda Elementary School.
“Originally, I didn’t think it would need to come to this,” said Bearspaw band CEO, Robert Shotclose, adding that the damage to Morley roadways alone from the floods was over $2 million.
