Buyouts - FAQs
| Can I take my appliances with me? |
| If you would like to take your appliances, please bring this up during the buyout process. Generally speaking you may take appliances, except those that are built in or integral components of the home. |
| If I accept, what's the latest date that I can defer the closing date to? |
| There may be some flexibility in extending the closing date for a reasonable amount of time. We welcome discussions regarding specific needs related to your closing date. |
| Does the 2020 assessed value take into account fences and sheds? |
| Fences and smaller sheds (under 150 square feet, or approximately 14 square meters) are not included in property assessment values. |
| What is the Municipality’s plan to maintain bought-out lots? |
| Lots will be maintained in line with municipal policies and procedures. |
| Is there room for some flexibility with the buyouts? |
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There are several options for owners of Ptarmigan Court properties. Owners may choose to participate in the buyout program, indicate interest for the grant funding program or take no action. The Council resolution for the buyout price is 2020 assessed value. The resolution does not allow room for negotiation. However, the Municipality will reimburse up to $2500 for legal fees, disbursements and GST. |
| I want the buyout. Who do I contact? |
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Please email pulse@rmwb.ca to indicate your interest in a buyout of your Ptarmigan Court property. Alternatively, call Pulse at 780-743-7000. |
| When does the buyout process begin? |
| The process begins as soon as you contact us to express your interest. |
| How much are you offering for buyouts? |
| The offer is the fixed price of your 2020 property assessment value, which is available at taxassessment.rmwb.ca. |
| Is 2020 assessed property value a starting point in the negotiations for the buyout? |
| No – only 2020 assessed value is being offered. |
| Would you consider a different starting point for the buyout price, like an independent third-party assessment or pre-wildfire values? |
| Negotiation for a purchase price above the 2020 assessed value will not be engaged in. |
| How long will the buyout process take? |
| The process could take 30-60 days or longer. Every case is different. |
| If I choose the buyout, can I take my home with me? |
| You cannot take your home with you because your 2020 assessed property value includes your land and your structures. |
| What will happen with my home if I choose the buyout? |
| Your lot and home will become municipal assets. |
| The deadline for voluntary buyouts is May 31, 2021. What must happen by that time? |
| You must accept the buyout by May 31, 2021 to be eligible. The sale of your property does not need to close by May 31. |
| I do not want the buyout. Who do I contact? |
| Please email pulse@rmwb.ca to let them know that you are not interested. Alternatively, you can call Pulse at 780-743-7000. |
| What happens if I take no action? |
| You have no obligation to take the buyout but after May 31, 2021, you’ll no longer have the option for a buyout. |
| For those who stay – what flood mitigation measures are being planned? |
| Temporary flood barriers will be placed in the Ptarmigan Court area prior to river breakup this year. Beyond 2021, no flood mitigation is currently planned. |
Raising homes - FAQs
| When will we know what’s involved with raising of structures? Will accommodations be provided? |
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Administration will propose a grant program for Council consideration at a future public meeting. Details of the program, such as the inclusion of accommodations, would be discussed at that time. |
| What is the option to raise homes? |
| We are creating a grant funding program, for Council consideration, to cover the costs of raising your home. Details will be provided later. |
| When will the process begin? |
| To indicate your interest, please email pulse@rmwb.ca or call Pulse at 780-743-7000. Details will be announced later. |
| Would the option to raise homes include access ramps, stairs, decks or sheds? |
| The intention of the grant program will be to cover the costs of raising your home by adding to existing foundations. This would include raising decks, landings, steps, and extending and reconnecting utilities, as well as replacing skirting material. Sheds or any other detached buildings would not be included. |
| What happens if I take no action? |
| We are seeking interest up until May 31, 2021 for inclusion in the proposed grant program. If you do not express interest by this date, you will not be eligible to participate in the proposed program. |
| For those who stay – what flood mitigation measures are being planned? |
| Temporary flood barriers will be placed in the Ptarmigan Court area prior to river breakup this year. Beyond 2021, no flood mitigation is currently planned. |
Other - FAQs
| Can residents still apply for development permits in Ptarmigan Court? Is the Municipality considering new Land Use Bylaw provisions that could affect Ptarmigan Court? |
| Yes, residents can still apply for development permits in Ptarmigan Court. And yes, the Municipality is developing new flood resiliency provisions in its Land Use Bylaw for Council consideration. |
| What happens to the Ptarmigan Court neighbourhood after May 31? |
| Administration provides public updates to Council on flood recovery matters related to Ptarmigan Court every 90 days. No decisions have been made about Ptarmigan Court beyond May 31. |
| Will underground infrastructure be replaced? |
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No decisions have been made about underground infrastructure in Ptarmigan Court. Underground infrastructure upgrades, apart from regular maintenance and repairs, are not included in the 2021 Capital Budget. |
| What happens to property owners who decline the buyout and proposed grant funding programs? |
| The buyouts and proposed grant funding program will not be offered after May 31, 2021. |