Province stands behind recovering Fort McMurray, Notley assures residents

It's been six months since a massive wildfire swept through the Fort McMurray region, forcing tens of thousands of people to flee from their homes.

And Premier Rachel Notley, whotoured the city Wednesday for the first time since residents were allowed to return in June, offered assurancesthat the province stands behind residents'recovery efforts, which she acknowledged are far from over.

"I was saying as we drove in, when I was last here it was just as people were coming back and many of the businesses were still closed and the streets were pretty unoccupied," said Notley,speaking outside a home under construction. "As we're driving through here today it seems on the surface like a lot is back to normal.Talking to people, I know it's not.

"But what you do see in terms of the level of activity and the number of people, and all the work that is going on right now, is the resilience of this city."

While the worst may beover, Notley saidmemories of the wildfire that swept through the city in May are far from faded.

"Even as I talk to people, it doesn't take very long before you can sense the level of emotion that they feel when they talk about what happened, as well as when they talk about what needs to still happen as far as rebuilding."

'We are committed to doing what we can'

That uncertain future is one of the reasons for Notley's visit,to provide reassurance to residents that the province is behind them through the entire process.

"To deliver the message that we understand that, the Government of Alberta understands that, and we are committed to doing what we can to support the municipality as it does its important work now with the recovery."

When asked about residents' complaints that rebuilding istaking too long, Notley said it's about striking a balance.

Ensure consumer protection

"We're working as quickly as we can, while at the same time trying to ensure consumer protection, trying to ensure safety and at the same time support folks who I know are going through a really, really difficult time."

During her visit Notley also metwith staff and students from Westwood Community High School, first responders and had schedule a meeting with Mayor Melissa Blake.