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In Chilliwack, British Columbia, a homeowner’s nightmare has unfolded as he grapples with the devastating impact of landslide risks on his property. Chris Rampersad, a resident of the area, has been informed that his home is deemed unlivable and assessed at a shocking value of just $2.
This alarming situation stems from a landslide that occurred during the atmospheric river event in 2021, which came perilously close to his house, leaving him in a state of uncertainty and financial distress.
The harsh reality of property devaluation
Despite the landslide narrowly missing his home, Rampersad has been told by authorities that he should vacate the premises.
He faces the grim reality of continuing to pay a mortgage on a property that has lost its value and is considered a liability. “What I think I’m gonna lose is close to a million, 800 to a million dollars, which I’m still paying for, and there’s no asset there,” Rampersad lamented.
The emotional toll of this situation is compounded by the fact that he feels trapped, unable to sell his home due to its assessed value and the associated dangers of living there.
Government assistance: A missing link
Rampersad’s plight is not unique; several properties in the area have been similarly assessed at $2, leaving homeowners in a state of despair.
Despite reaching out for assistance, he has been met with silence from the B.C. government. “Last summer, they told me I did not qualify for compensation or assistance,” he explained. The Regional District, which has been advocating for solutions, shares Rampersad’s frustration, as they believed the government was working on a resolution that has yet to materialize.
Calls for action and accountability
Patti MacAhonic from the Fraser Valley Regional District expressed her heartbreak over the situation, emphasizing the government’s responsibility to support homeowners facing such dire circumstances. “They said hang in there, be patient, a solution is coming,” she recounted, highlighting the uncertainty that continues to plague affected residents.
Meanwhile, B.C.’s Emergency Management Minister, Kelly Greene, has stated that homeowners must connect with the federal government for assistance, as provincial programs do not cover the specific impacts these properties have endured.
As Rampersad navigates this challenging landscape, he has temporarily relocated to Abbotsford, fearing that without government intervention, he may never be able to sell his home or recover from the financial devastation. The situation raises critical questions about the responsibilities of government agencies in protecting citizens from natural disasters and the long-term implications of property devaluation in high-risk areas.
