Co-ordinated Approach Being Taken to Help Meat Cove

A team of government officials will co-ordinate efforts to help the Meat Cove community recover from last weekend's devastating rain, Deputy Premier Frank Corbett announced today, Aug. 25.

Provincial officials will work with the community, as well as municipal and federal agencies, to identify priority needs and the appropriate programs and services to respond.

"Now that the work is well underway on the bridge and road repairs, we want to do what we can to help the community recover," Mr. Corbett said. "Having a small, focused team will help identify priorities quickly, and ensure that the right links are made with any programs and funding out there."

Economic and Rural Development officials will co-lead the team with George Muise, eastern emergency management planning officer, Emergency Management Office. Labour and Workforce Development, Tourism, Culture and Heritage, Community Services, Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, and Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal are among the departments involved.

Once priority needs are established, programs and services will be reviewed and the most appropriate help identified. For example, local workers should be the first called for community repairs.

Officials are closely watching weather warnings, and planning accordingly. Additional supplies are being shipped into the community, in case high winds restrict boat traffic.

Bridge repairs are progressing on schedule. All pieces of the temporary bridge are on site and being assembled. Cranes will be required to place the bridge over the water, and the approaches will need to be finished.

Work will happen simultaneously on other washed out areas. Pipe, stone and gravel are being brought in, and a second temporary bridge may be required for a large washout close to the community centre.

"Lighting has been put in place so work can continue around the clock to get the temporary bridge assembled," Mr. Corbett said.

Local Community Services officials have reached out to clients in the community early in the week, and are doing so again today. All have reported they are safe and getting the food and supplies they need.

"Amid all of the destruction, this wonderful story of community spirit and resilience is being told across the country," Mr. Corbett said. "I want to commend and thank the community for pulling together to help neighbours and visitors alike.

"I want them to know that the province is pulling together, too, to help where we can."