Too soon to lift state of emergency: Some High River residents

HIGH RIVER, Alta. – The state of emergency is being lifted in High River, Alberta, but some residents say it’s too soon to pretend that things are back to normal.

Bernie Hartford was evacuated from her home on June 20, and three weeks later she and her family are still not back.

She says it could be weeks or months before she can return to her home and the town will be in an emergency situation for a long time.

The minister responsible for the community, Rick Fraser, says things are returning to normal and maintaining the state of emergency is not necessary.

For the first time today he toured the new 40-hectare temporary neighbourhood for displaced residents, which should be ready for its first inhabitants in a couple of weeks.

Fraser says it’s not going to be like home, but it will let families be together and will offer such amenities as showers, playgrounds and even an off-leash area for pets.