Hay River (May 12/03) - Red McBryan doesn't believe people should be allowed to remain in their homes during a flood evacuation.

The former Hay River mayor and veteran river-watcher objects that several people remained in their West Channel homes during recent flooding, while the rest of the area voluntarily evacuated.

"I think it's wrong," he said, adding he had been told people could not be forced from their homes because of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

"To hell with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This is Hay River," McBryan said, eliciting surprised laughter at an May 8 debriefing for emergency measures workers on the previous week's flooding.

When people stay in their homes, they create a danger for emergency workers who may have to go back into a flooded area to rescue people, McBryan said.

But the town has no power to move anyone, said Hay River town manager John Pollard.

"If they don't go, we can't force them."

If people don't evacuate, McBryan said, they should be told they would be on their own if flooding reaches dangerous levels.

While most of the 35 people at the debriefing believed the response to the recent flooding went extremely well, there were several concerns raised and suggestions for improvements.

More people, including children, should be evacuated further ahead of any anticipated flooding, said West Channel resident Alex Morin.

The most important step to prepare for future floods would be to extend and heighten the berm that now protects the West Channel area, Morin said. "That's the main answer."

The current berm ranges from five to eight feet high. It is credited with preventing even more severe flooding in the West Channel.

There was as much information about river conditions in advance of the flood as in the past, McBryan said. "I think we were very well informed on what was happening on the river."

Some others suggested there be better communication with the public, possibly through notices at designated locations, or through a telephone recording with updated information.

People should be advised sooner that roads could be closed at any time during a flood, said Hay River fire Chief Robert Sibbeston. "People just weren't ready for it."

There is no estimate yet of the damage from flooding in the West Channel, which reached several homes and many more garages and yards.

It could take 30 to 60 days before an over-all estimate is determined.