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Locals looking to be reimbursed after oil spill losses

Aug 12, 2016 | 5:00 PM

Residents came out to get information and file claims for losses related to the recent oil spill at a claims centre set up in the city.

Splish Splash Auto and Pet Wash owners David Materi and Gloria Winterhalt were at the clinic to file a claim for reimbursement after the car wash had to be shut down for 20 days because of water restrictions. Materi said they lost revenue and employee hours because of the spill.

“I’m sure everybody’s feeling the pinch of not being paid,” he said. “But everybody’s working as quickly as they can and I see that. It doesn’t look like anybody’s dragging their feet.”

Husky opened a claims clinic at the Don Ross Centre in North Battleford for anyone affected by the oil spill who has questions about the process. It was open Friday, Aug. 12 and will be again Saturday, Aug. 13.

Many businesses had to shut down or reduce hours after a Husky pipeline leaked oil into the North Saskatchewan River near Maidstone in July.

Splish Splash didn’t have to completely shut down because they offer other services, including U-Haul rentals and car vacuuming. The car wash opened again Aug. 9.

Materi said he was impressed with Husky’s response and the claims process has been easy.

Another business owner who came to the clinic was Pat Bockus, co-owner of Take Em Outfitters. Bockus said he was at the clinic for a bit of a preliminary investigation because he doesn’t entirely know how the business will be affected.

“We just don’t know how it’s going to affect us yet until we start getting some information from our clients,” he said. “One group has cancelled already, so it’s going to a certain extent, we just don’t know how badly.”

Bockus said clients in the U.S were inquiring about the oil spill and the business is still trying to get answers themselves about the environment and wildlife. He said Husky has been helpful so far, but it’s still early in the process.

The clinic is open again Aug. 13 at the Don Ross Centre from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

Sarah Rae is battlefordsNOW’s court and crime reporter. She can be reached at Sarah.Rae@jpbg.ca or tweet her @sarahjeanrae.