High River homeowners object to signing waiver before returning to flooded homes

HIGH RIVER, Alta. – Some High River residents are angry at having to sign waiver forms before being allowed to return to their homes, even after being kept out for more than a week over safety concerns.

The waivers warn the residents about dangers still remaining in the flood-swamped community.

Residents, such as former town councillor Floyd Langenhoff, say they would have been willing to sign those waivers a week ago.

He wonders why it’s OK for homeowners to face those dangers now, but not in the first days after the waters receded.

A spokesman for the provincial operations centre says the waivers are intended to ensure returning residents are aware of the hazards they may face.