As Jasperites return home, the pain and recovery work could take years. Former Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo Mayor Melissa Blake joined CTV Morning Live’s Nicole Lampa. She shared the memories of being Mayor in 2016 when Fort McMurray was devastated by flames.
Nicole Lampa: As Jasperites return home, they’ll face sites that are shocking, maybe even traumatizing. That pain and the recovery work will take months and years. From someone who understands what the community is going through, what can people arriving home expect today?
Melissa Blake: I think there are two camps of thought. You’ve got the excitement and anticipation of being able to get back into your home, but you’re going to see what’s happened in the neighbourhoods, and you’re going to feel apprehensive, disappointed and heartbroken for people that are there. I think in some cases, survivors’ guilt will weigh on people. We got it and our neighbours …