Alberta government to provide assistance for Clearwater County tornado cleanup

The Alberta government is providing up to $1.2 million in disaster relief funding to help Clearwater County recover from two tornadoes that caused widespread damage earlier this month.

The funding, a one-time grant under the Disaster and Emergency Assistance Funding Program, will help cover the cost of removing fallen trees and debris from the tornado touchdown zones.

On the evening of July 18, two EF-2 tornadoes touched down between Rocky and Leslieville, causing significant damage across the area. An estimated 50 properties were affected, with homes damaged, trees broken or uprooted and debris scattered throughout the impacted communities.

Details of the funding agreement are being finalized between the province and Clearwater County. County officials say a local implementation plan is currently being developed.

“Alberta’s government is taking action to support tornado cleanup efforts in Clearwater County,” said Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre MLA Jason Nixon. “The tornadoes had a significant impact on our local residents, and many property owners are facing a complicated recovery process. With this funding, we will ensure local residents, businesses and community organizations can recover faster and come back stronger.”

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Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen said the province is committed to helping rural communities recover from natural disasters.

“Rural communities are the cornerstone of our province, and Alberta’s government will be there to support them during their times of need,” Loewen said. “The areas impacted by tornadoes over these last few weeks faced unforeseen and uninsurable damage, and we are proud to be part of a government that steps up to support them when it matters most.”

“We are incredibly grateful for the strong working relationship we share with the Government of Alberta and for the funding being provided to support relief and recovery efforts in our community,” said Clearwater County Reeve Jordon Northcott, adding the assistance will play an important role in helping residents, businesses, and local organizations address cleanup costs and begin moving forward.

To accurately assess damages, Clearwater County is gathering information from impacted landowners via an online survey.

You can find the link here.