By Brittney Matejka

Interest free loans from province available to wildfire victims.

Jan 8, 2018 | 4:45 PM

CYPRESS COUNTY, AB. – Starting today, residents affected by the October wildfires near Hilda can begin to apply for financial help from the Provincial Government.

The province is providing two year interest free loans through Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (A.F.S.C) up to a maximum of $25,000 for those eligible.

The Wildfire Water Supply Program is also available to help with the replacement of water systems damaged by the fire.

The loans being offered are meant to help provide working capital for ranchers and help replace lost assets such as fences and livestock.

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Richard Oster, Cypress County Reeve, said he has been speaking with many county residents in response to the assistance.

“I am hearing they are glad to see the government step up and acknowledge that this was an extreme event,” he explained. “And the fact that $25,000 doesn’t do much.”

Robin Kurpjuweit, Cypress County Councillor, expressed a similar concern over the maximum amount ranchers could qualify.

“A mile of fence is about $7,500 and there were dozens, if not a 100 miles of fence that was lost in that fire,” he said. “When it comes to cattle, you can purchase maybe 10 or 12 cows but then you’ve got to feed them too.”

CHAT News reached out to the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Oneil Carlier to ask if there was more the province could do to help those ranchers affected.

The minister was not available to comment but issued this statement in response:

“We continue to monitor the situation closely with A.F.S.C. officials, municipal partners, crop and livestock commissions and other stakeholders following the wildfires in southeastern Alberta.”

“Alberta ranchers are resilient and strong. They’re always ready to weather challenges such as this.”

Drew Barnes, MLA for Cypress – Medicine Hat, said he does not think the Notley government has done enough to support those farmers and ranchers who suffered great loss in the fires.

“it’s not too late for the NDP government and Rachel Notley and the Agriculture Minister Carlier to step up and do the right thing,” he said. “The government really needs to consult to understand how the agricultural industry works.”

Barnes went on to explain the loans are only interest free for two years, and suggested four years would of been a more suitable time frame.