A local state of emergency as well as an evacuation order and alert that have been in effect in areas of Roberts Creek since the start of February have been lifted.
Notice has been hand delivered to all affected properties and as of Feb. 21, residents are allowed to return to the area, the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) announced late Friday afternoon.
“We extend our sincere thanks to all those who have supported this incident. We also thank the public for their cooperation in staying away from the immediate area in order to allow the crews to continue their efforts,” the SCRD said in a release.
The regional district cautioned a risk remains that "subsequent storm events may cause erosion and deposit additional sediment and debris along the channel from Lower Road to the shoreline,” and an evacuation order or alert may need to be reinstated.
The decision was made “after careful consideration and a review of recommendations from subject matter experts,” according to the release.
What hasn't changed, however, is the closure of the 1800 block of Lower Road, where work continues after a washout damaged a section of the road at the beginning of the month. That section remain closed to “general traffic,” including transit buses, and a detour through Joe Road remains in place.
The SCRD says Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) “may be available to eligible homeowners and eligible residential tenants who were unable to obtain insurance to cover disaster-related losses.”
Eligibility decisions are made by the province, and applications must be submitted by May 4, 2020.
The evacuation order affected 1815 Lower Rd. and 2016, 2022 and 2028 Ocean Beach Esplanade and the alert applied to 994, 1998 and 2044 Ocean Beach Esplanade, 1843 and 1847 Lower Rd. and Lot 6, Plan VAP6446, District Lot 2497.
For more information on the DFA program and how to apply visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-responserecovery/emergency-response-and-recovery/disaster-financial-assistance/eligibleevents?keyword=DFA
