The province of Nova Scotia has declared a state of emergency for the parts most damaged by the storm Fiona.
John Lohr, the minister responsible for the Emergency Management Office, requested additional support Wednesday from the Canadian Armed Forces.
A news release said the state of emergency allows military members to assist with civilian duties like road work, including flagging and signage, in areas where restoration crews need support.
A state of emergency has been issued for Antigonish County, Cape Breton Regional Municipality, Colchester County, Cumberland County, Guysborough County, Inverness County, Pictou County, Richmond County and Victoria County.
In Nova Scotia, some of the most severe storm damage was in Cape Breton and Pictou County, where roadways were washed out and the causeway to Big Island was significantly damaged.
Public Works Minister Kim Masland says the rebuilding effort will be competing for labour with ongoing construction projects – driving up prices and extending timelines.
“No question, there is going to be cost pressures going forward,” Masland said after a recent cabinet meeting. “But we are going to need to work through those and make sure that we’re delivering safe and reliable roads to Nova Scotians.”
The minister said that prior to the storm, the province had cancelled six existing bridge and road projects this year due to higher-than-expected costs. Some cost estimates, she said, are “coming in extremely high,” which she attributed to the rising price of steel, diesel, asphalt and labour.
The state of emergency was enacted Wednesday and will remain in place for at least 14 days, unless the government removes or extends it.
