By Shane O'Neill

P.A. locals can soon seek reimbursement following oil spill

Aug 4, 2016 | 5:20 PM

Businesses and residents looking for reimbursement in the wake of the oil spill on the North Saskatchewan River will soon have the chance to speak to insurance representatives directly.

Prince Albert city manager Jim Toye provided an update to media on the ongoing water use restrictions in the city. As of Thursday morning the restrictions on commercial water use, which forced local car washes, dry cleaners and laundromats to close temporarily last month, had been lifted.

Partial restrictions remain in place for residents of P.A. while restrictions for rural water utility customers and at civic properties such as Kinsman Water Park and Cooke Municipal Golf Course will remain in place for the time being.

“We will add these users gradually to our system once we can assure that what we have is a sustainable water supply and it continues to be safe, potable water and we’re able to maintain sufficient capacity to provide service to everyone,” Toye said.

Director of Public Works for P.A., Amjad Khan, also spoke briefly at the update. He said a spike in water consumption was observed on Thursday morning which, when compared with last week, the volume was almost double.

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As well, Toye confirmed that Husky would be setting up an insurance claims centre in P.A. to help residents and businesses file for reimbursement.

The centre will be located on the main floor Travelodge Prince Albert, 3551 Second Ave. W., Friday, August 5 and Saturday, August 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Drop in assistance will be available, but appointments can be made online.

Individuals looking for assistance are asked to bring any relevant documents including receipts, invoices and bank account details or a void cheque.

When asked about any communication or assistance the city has received from the federal government so far, Toye said that discussions with Ottawa took place. He explained that P.A. had made an application to the Building Canada Fund with Infrastructure Canada last year for $24 million to help build two additional water reservoirs.

“I’ve had conversations with the Honourable Ralph Goodale in regards to that,” Toye explained. “He certainly knows that we have an expectation and we also had discussions with the provincial government in the same regard.”

The city does not have to re-submit the application for it to be considered again this year, and officials hope the request is considered by both senior levels of government.

shane.oneill@panow.com

On Twitter: @stroneill