Randall King – Winnipeg Free Press

Owners Of Destroyed Chilliwack Properties Still Waiting For Help 2 Years After Historic Flooding

Richard Holmes and Mary-Lee Merz's carport floor cracked following landslides during the historic 2021 atmospheric river event. (Submitted by Richard Holmes)

Two years ago, Erv Warkentin went to check on his chickens as historic rains pummelled his Chilliwack Lake Road home and the mountains behind it.

He brought some eggs inside, then heard a loud crash minutes later.

"I went outside to investigate and the hillside had come down, and completely buried my chicken house," he said.

The landslide didn't topple his house but district-appointed engineers later deemed it unsafe to return to, citing a high risk of further landslides. A report shared with CBC News said the slides, which occurred during the historic 2021 atmospheric river event, "were effects of much more widespread and deep-seated slope movement that will lead to a larger landslide in the future."

The Fraser Valley Regional District says at least six property owners in the Chilliwack River valley are in a similar situation, unable to return to their homes, which have effectively been rendered unlivable. They've been denied insurance payouts and have not been provided with provincial Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA).

"They fall through the cracks — they don't qualify for DFA," said Patti MacAhonic, elected district director of the area. "It's two years almost. These people are salt of the earth people. They're taxpayers, they need to have some resolution here."

MacAhonic says some of the homes were destroyed, others are still standing but unsafe to live in. Despite that, some residents continue to live in them because they have nowhere else to go.

"They're right below a slide that could give way at any time," she said. "They don't feel safe, but they don't feel they have any other options, so they're really stressed out living in their homes. Every time it rains, they get really stressed out."

The district is calling for a buyout of the properties. The assessed value of the six properties in 2021 was under $5 million.

Erv Warkentin walks through his backyard, where a landlside toppled his chicken coop during 2021's atmospheric river event. (Jon Hernandez/CBC) District timeline

According to the district, the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR) advised them that DFA funding would not be available to these residents since "no physical damage exists."

In late December 2022, residents had been told that Public Safety Minister and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth agreed to a "non-DFA course of action." 

In early 2023, EMCR sent its own engineering consultants to conduct further assessments of the six properties and make recommendations on whether mitigation works are possible. In May, residents were informed that mitigation works are not feasible.

The district says it has yet to hear further details from the province on how residents might be compensated. Warkentin says it's been two steady years of hope followed by disappointment.

"It's like basically dangling a carrot in front of you all the time," he said.

On Monday, B.C.'s environment and climate change minister said discussions are ongoing.

"I'm aware of these six individuals. We are in conversations with the district, and in addition to that, Minister [Bowinn] Ma and I will have further discussions with our colleagues," said George Heyman.

In a statement, an EMCR spokesperson said some properties with landslide-related damages from the atmospheric river event have received DFA supports. However, it noted DFA does not cover potential future physical damages and losses.

Holmes says his home slid off its foundation. (Submitted by Richard Holmes) Frustrations mount

Residents Richard Holmes and Mary-Lee Merz were surprised to find out they were denied their application for DFA. Their house is off its foundation because of the slide.

"The B.C. Assessment of my property is $1 for the house, $1 for the acre of land, for a total value of $2," he said.

He says he feels like the valley residents have been left behind.

"It's like dealing with a black hole," he added. "A lot of emails are not even acknowledged."

3 People Dead After Plane Crash In Chilliwack, B.C.: RCMP

First responders were on the scene by the Chilliwack Motor Inn. The plane crashed into nearby bushes. (CBC)

Three people are dead after a small plane crashed in Chilliwack, B.C., according to RCMP in the city about 100 kilometres east of Vancouver.

The plane crashed behind a motel near the airport, killing the pilot and everyone on board, Sgt. Pete Healey said.

The RCMP are notifying the victims' next of kin, Healey said.

It's still unknown what caused the Piper PA-34 Seneca, a twin-engined light aircraft, to crash. 

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada said it's sending investigators. 

"The scene is contained and there were no other reported injuries or risks to the public in the area," RCMP said in a news release.

B.C. Emergency Health Services said five ambulances and a paramedic supervisor responded to the crash. Two air ambulance helicopters were en route but cancelled before reaching the area.

The RCMP originally received reports about the incident around 2 p.M. PST.

Get Your Scare On At These Eastern North Carolina Haunted Attractions

With the cooler weather and changing of leaves also comes the favorite holiday of many, Halloween, and with that comes haunted attractions, something eastern North Carolina is no stranger to.

For all the teens and adults looking for something to get their scare on this month, or for that brave kid hoping to face their fear, check out these haunted attractions in ENC this Halloween.

Mike's Farm Haunted Hayride

Mike's Farm, located at 1600 Haw Branch Road in Beulaville, is a popular place to celebrate Halloween each year.

The farm's haunted hayride is put on by Back Swamp & Fountaintown Fire departments with all proceeds going directly to them, according to the Mike's Farm website.

More details are expected to be released, but the hayride will run from Oct. 26-28 beginning at dark. For more information, visit the Mike's Farm website, Facebook page or give them a call at 910-324-3422.

Marr Branch Haunted House 

Marr Branch Haunted House is located at 2289 Garner Chapel Road in Mount Olive and according to the Marr Branch website, is not for small children, the faint of heart or the easily offended.

This year's event is called Redneck Revival. Marr Branch is open Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 28 from 7 p.M. To 11 p.M., as well as 7 p.M. To 10 p.M. On Halloween and Nov. 4.

Tickets can be bought in-person or online for $30, which gets you access to the haunted house, Bubba's Bloody Bucket and the hay field. For more information, visit the Marr Branch website, Facebook page or call 919-222-9276.

Crystal Coast Ghost Spirits of Swansboro

Crystal Coast Ghost in downtown Swansboro offers the Spirits of Swansboro walking ghost tours, perfect for all ages.

The 75-minute tour will take you through the moonlit streets of downtown Swansboro, complete with paranormal investigation equipment, as guides recount the history of the area's paranormal.

Tickets are selling out quickly, but there are still spots available for Thursday, Oct. 26 and Friday, Oct. 27. For more information, visit Crystal Coast Ghost online, on Facebook or give them a call at 252-723-7945.

Nightmare Factory

The Nightmare Factory, located at 29 Park Lane in Havelock and known as eastern North Carolina's scariest haunted house attraction, is back again.

Open Friday and Saturday nights, as well as on Halloween, from 7 p.M. To midnight until Nov. 4, the Nightmare Factory is offering four haunted attractions this year — Dead Zone, Clowns in 3D, Haunted Factory and Psych Ward. Also available is The Narrows Dark Maze and Unleash Rage Room.

Rated R hours begin each night at 9 p.M. There will also be a Christmas Haunted House on Nov. 10 and 11. Tickets range from $20-30 and can be purchased online or in-person.

For more information, visit the Nightmare Factory website, Facebook page or call 252-444-3327.

Ghost Walk of Pender's Past

Ghost Walk of Pender's Past will take place on Oct. 28 at the Historic Burgaw Cemetery.

Tours will begin at 5:30 p.M. And according to the Ghost Walk of Pender's Past Facebook page, sell out every year, so get your tickets as soon as possible here.

The Ghost Walk of Pender's Past is a collaborative effort of volunteers from the Pender County Historical Society, Historical Society of Topsail Island, Pender Arts Council, Moores Creek National Battlefield, the Town of Burgaw, Burgaw Tourism Authority, Pender County Parks and Recreation, the Pender County Library, Pender County Schools and Pender County Tourism.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students and free for those four and under. For more information, visit the Ghost Walk of Pender's Past Facebook page or call Pender County Tourism at 910-259-1278.

Ghosts of New Bern

The Ghosts of New Bern walking tour will introduce you to ghosts who have long haunted the historic district of New Bern, according to hauntednewbern.Com.

Tours run year-round but will take place through Oct. 31 at 7:30 p.M. Tickets are $17 for adults, $15 for seniors/students/military and free for children six and under.

As there is limited space, it's recommended to get your tickets online and as quick as possible. For more information, visit the hauntednewbern.Com website, the Ghosts of Newbern Facebook page or call 252-635-1410.

Haunted History Sunset Cruise

Lady Swan Boat Tours in Swansboro is holding a Haunted History Sunset Cruise at Caspers Marina on Oct. 22, Oct. 27 and Oct. 29 from 5 p.M. To 6:30 p.M.

According to the Facebook event details, join the ride to learn about all the spooky details concerning those who lived and died in Swansboro. The guest speaker will be a long-time citizen who currently resides in Ward Cemetery.

For more information, give Lady Swan Boat Tours a call at 910-325-1200.

Fishstrong Fight Nights

The Fishstrong Foundation, located at 3100 Freedom Way in Hubert, is holding its annual Fright Nights hayrides and walking trails on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the month of October from 6:30 p.M. To 10:30 p.M. There will also be a special event on Halloween.

According to their Facebook event details, this year has new scares, frightful attractions, as well as food trucks, carnival games and a pumpkin patch. All proceeds go to help North Carolina families dealing with life-altering illnesses.

The ticket booth will open at 6:30 each night and close at 10:30, with the show beginning around 7. Tickets for the hayride are $12 per person with ages five and under free. There will also be a fast pass offered for $20.

Tickets for the walking trail are $9 per person with a combo ticket available for $18. For more information, visit fishstrong.Org or call 910-326-4071.

Extreme Fear ScareGrounds

Extreme Fear ScareGrounds, located at 401 Fairgrounds Road in Kinston, offers attractions like Mayhem 3D, Nixon Asylum and Insanity. This year, there are two new attractions, Midway Madness, which includes concessions, carnival games, a photo-op, live monsters, a gift shop and more, as well as The Basement Escape Room.

Extreme Fear ScareGrounds will be open Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 28 from 8 p.M. To midnight, Sundays through Oct. 29 from 8 p.M. To 11 p.M. And on Oct. 21, there will even be a kids trick or treat.

Tickets can be purchased online or in-person and start at $5. For more information, visit the attraction's website, Facebook page or call 919-437-0284.

Reporter Morgan Starling can be reached at mstarling@jdnews.Com.

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