Homes destroyed by the 2023 Grouse Complex of wildfires are starting to be rebuilt, according to a local contracting company.
With spring and better weather around the corner, ARG Contracting has been able to start construction on rebuilding homes taken out by the fires.
“It’s been a long road for those who lost their homes,” said ARG Contracting owner Adam Galbraith. “Fortunately, all of our clients had adequate insurance to cover their new builds, although it has been a process to go through.”
While they are able to start working on some homes, Galbraith adds it’s been a battle with a few different insurance companies.
“Some of our clients have been provided a cheque upfront and we are breaking ground on construction, while others are experiencing longer timelines with their insurance providers and are still in the process of bidding and contractor selections,” said Galbraith. “It’s a good time to review your policy and check areas like living expense allowances for while you are building, and the specific insurance provider’s coverage and process for home rebuilding in the event of a disaster like a wildfire.”
According to Galbraith, some insurance companies have been pushing back on some of the items that need to be fixed like septic system removal and rebuild. However, because of the excavation process, agreements have been made in some of the cases.
“Ultimately, we are working to ensure our clients have their homes back to the way they were, and part of that means advocating for clients through the insurance process to ensure they are not out of pocket on any remediation or building costs,” adds Galbraith.
Mike Emslie, a Westside resident, is one of the lucky ones as construction has begun on his property.
“Then one day we had Samaritan’s Purse over going through what was left of the house, Adam came and met us right on site,” said Emslie. “My wife and I are very excited to get going with the build.”
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