Refugees from La Baie will have to wait several months before returning to their homes

Since the discovery of dam cracks in the Port-Alfred sector three weeks ago, these citizens no longer have access to their homes, unlike in 9^at avenue who returned to their homes following the construction of a concrete retaining wall.

The Ministère des Transports (MTQ) has issued a preliminary notice about the condition of the problematic dam, but it does not contain final conclusions about the causes and solutions to be provided, according to Saguenay City spokesman Dominic Arseneau. Other expertise needs to be exercised to determine the work to be done.

Once this step is completed and the diagnosis, but more importantly, the solution will be known to stabilize the soil, the engineering firm will need to draw plans and details. Then, it will need to appoint a contractor who will do the work under the supervision of the engineering firm. Once the work is completed, the company will conduct the final review again to issue a compliance notice and ensure that everything has been done in accordance with the plans and details established. We’re talking about the process for a few monthsexplanation by Dominic Arseneau.

Only after this step will the civil security of Saguenay decide whether or not to allow the citizens to return to their homes. No timeline is currently in the table.

Residents concerned will also need to identify the consulting engineering firm that will be responsible for subsequent reviews. The City of Saguenay has obtained the power of attorney to act as a mediator in the laboratory of choice.

According to the Saguenay spokesperson, the City continues to provide support to the displaced people. They will be entitled to financial assistance from the Government of Quebec. Saguenay is also eligible to receive compensation for costs caused by the application of temporary emergency measures.