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Municipal Affairs
November 17, 2009

Landslide Safety Zones to Continue in Daniel�s Harbour and Trout River

In the interest of public safety and in response to consultants� reviews of site conditions, available data and landslide assessments, the Provincial Government has expanded the safety zone in Daniel�s Harbour and will continue the safety zone in Trout River. Affected property owners will receive compensation at the replacement value of their properties.

�Following landslide events in both communities and review and assessment by government officials and municipal engineering consultants, it was determined that both areas remain unstable and that the potential for additional landslides exists,� said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Municipal Affairs (Acting). �Future landslides are difficult to predict and there remains substantial uncertainty about the timing, trigger and magnitude of potential landslides in these areas. We are not willing to risk the lives of residents, and further damage to infrastructure, and feel that for the protection of individuals who reside in these safety zones, we will evacuate these areas.�

Safety zones have been in place since landslides occurred in Daniel�s Harbour in 2006, and Trout River in June 2009. The safety zone in Daniels Harbour has been extended to include an additional 23 properties, in addition to the 10 properties impacted following the initial landslide in 2006. Six properties are impacted in Trout River as a result of the safety zone.

Meetings have been held with town officials and residents this week to discuss the decision to establish safety zones. Property owners will be compensated in accordance with past practice of replacement value for their properties.

�We are addressing immediate concerns expressed by residents about a future landslide threat, and will provide compensation to allow them to move out of the affected areas and to re-establish themselves,� said Minister Hedderson. �We are sensitive to the residents who are affected by this decision, but feel we have a responsibility in the interest of public safety to protect these areas in the event of additional landslides which are unpredictable.�

Since an initial landslide in Daniel�s Harbour in October 2006, four separate landslides have occurred in the town. Ten properties were displaced and owners received government compensation as a result of the establishment of a safety zone. The Town of Trout River experienced two landslides in June 2009, displacing residents of six properties.

�The process of appraising properties will begin immediately, with an expectation to have agreements in place with property owners by March 31, 2010, and we will then set a reasonable target date to vacate properties,� said Minister Hedderson.

Officials with the Department of Municipal Affairs will maintain a regular presence in both areas.

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Media contact:
Heather MacLean
Director of Communications
Department of Municipal Affairs
709-729-1983, 697-4137
heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca

2009 11 17                    1:50 p.m.


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