Date: Tuesday September 2, 2003
Time: 6:00 p.m.
RECOVERY CENTRE INFO LINES: 869-0386
868-2632
868-2605
BC FOREST SERVICE FIRE INFORMATION: 1 888 336-7378
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OKANAGAN FIRE RECOVERY CENTRE ESTABLISHED
Kelowna
residents in need of assistance as a result of the recent Okanagan Mountain Park
forest fire now have a central place to access recovery information. As of
Wednesday September 3rd all recovery matters will be handled from 520 Bernard
Avenue. RBC Royal Bank has generously provided the City of Kelowna with this
office space in their former downtown branch.
Several telephone lines are being installed to answer residents’ queries:
• 869-0386 Recovery Centre Office
• 868-2632 Public Information Line
• 868-2605 Recovery Social Services and Housing
Services in the Okanagan Fire Recovery Centre will include:
• Damage assessment
• Agency referral
• Demolition permit information
• Building permit information
• Sewer connection and septic tank permit information
“It is essential we have a central place for displaced residents to determine
what their next steps will be, as they begin to recover from this devastating
fire,” says David Shipclark, Manager Community Development & Real Estate, City
of Kelowna. “We will be providing access to fundamental resources needed at this
difficult time.”
“We hope this contribution of office space will make a difference in the lives
of individuals and families affected by the severe forest fires,” said Bruce
Jones, RBC Royal Bank’s Regional Vice-President, B.C. Interior & North. “We are
truly concerned and want to do what we can to help."
The Recovery Centre will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday.
In addition the newly formed Kelowna and Area Okanagan Fire Recovery Trust Fund,
established by the City of Kelowna, will be based in these premises. The fund
will be administered by a committee chaired by Kelowna lawyer David Rush.
The Parkinson Recreation Centre is no longer acting as a Reception Centre for
evacuees. All Emergency Social Services queries should be directed to the
Recovery Centre at 868-2605.