Homeowners from northeast Calgary are demanding the Alberta government provide financial support to residents affected by the recent hailstorm event – and they want something more meaningful than a handout.
A group called the Hailstorm Action Committee (HAC) – comprised of homeowners in the communities of Taradale, Skyview Ranch, Redstone and Saddletowne – held a peaceful demonstration in front of the McDougall Centre. HAC is asking the UCP government to provide $5,000 in interest-free loans for residents affected by the hailstorm.
In addition, HAC wants assurances from the provincial government that insurance premiums will not surge as a result of the hailstorm.
“It’s been eight weeks since the worst hailstorm in Canadian history hit our community and people’s homes and cars are in terrible shape,” said HAC spokesperson Khalil Karbani.
“Victims are under enormous stress and, as they cope with economic pain, the pandemic, and back-to-school worries, the premier dismisses us by telling us to talk to our insurance companies.”
Karbani also told CTV News that representatives from 30 communities have been canvassing the areas hit the hardest by the hailstorm and offering guidance on how to help those severely impacted.
“Fall is coming and people are vulnerable,” the spokesperson said. “We are asking the premier for help, not a handout.”
The Insurance Bureau of Canada called the June 13 hailstorm that struck the northeast the fourth costliest natural disaster in Canadian history. The event led to over 70,000 claims and has been estimated to have cost $1.2 billion in damages.
