North Shore residents gathered at Burnt Point to voice their concerns. CONTRIBUTEDArticle contentA town hall held at Burnt Point on the North Shore (also known as Conception Bay North) on Sept. 24 saw residents, politicians, and a disaster relief expert, among others, begin the slow process of the Kingston wildfire recovery planning.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentWhile it became slightly chaotic at times — some residents raised their voices and were accusatory over concerns on representation, among other issues — the meeting was ultimately productive.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentAt the top of the list of issues that those in attendance felt needed addressing was housing. The fire destroyed nearly 200 structures, which include homes, a school, sheds and commercial buildings.Article content Even a welcome sign in Kingston was damaged by the massive wildfire that struck the region. Photo by Keith Gosse/The TelegramArticle content“What are people going to do (…) in November?” asked one resident, referring to the expiration of disaster relief assistance for those who lost their homes, some of whom are now living in hotels.Article content“They can’t pay for rent. Are they going to sleep on the street? Where are they going to go?”Article contentAt present, uninsured residents receive $1,000 per month in relief if staying with family or friends, and $1,500 per month if they’re not. The figures are expected to be reassessed in November.Article content While some homes were spared in the Kingston fire, others never made it. This scene in Ochre Pit Cove shows the random path of flames. Photo by Keith Gosse/The TelegramArticle contentWith the election underway, it’s not yet known which party will form government by the time that agreement expires.Article contentLiberal Premier John Hogan has reaffirmed his commitment to the region, according to Danielle Doyle, a teacher and Carbonear town council member who is running for the Liberals in Carbonear-Trinity-Bay de Verde.Article contentArticle content“He said to me this morning he’s open to all and every possibility that the North Shore wants,” she said. Article contentArticle content“If they want the school rebuilt, we’ll talk about rebuilding the school. If they want the school rebuilt as something different, then they’ll look at rebuilding it as something different.”Article content The ruins of Cabot Academy sit in a jumbled pile after the school was destroyed in the Kingston fire. Photo by Keith Gosse/The TelegramArticle contentPC candidate for Carbonear-Trinity-Bay de Verde Riley Balsom committed to fixing the province’s fifth water bomber that’s been out of commission for eight years.Article contentA $14.8 million contract to repair the fifth water bomber was awarded earlier this year. It was damaged in a 2018 incident after hitting a rock and is expected to be back in service for the 2026-2027 wildfire season.Article contentMeanwhile, independent candidate Alison Coffin, who is running in two districts, including Carbonear-Trinity-Bay de Verde, made a point to listen more than talk.
Conception Bay North begins wildfire recovery planning
