Prince Albert begins filing claims with Husky Energy after oil spill

The City of Prince Albert has begun the reimbursement process after allegedly losing millions of dollars due to an oil spill last month.

In a press release, the city administrators said they are seeking compensation for the costs of building the two water pipelines which are now providing water for P.A., along with costs of operating emergency operations and general inquiry centres during the crisis.

Staff said all provisions were necessary after more than 200,000 litres of oil spilled into the North Saskatchewan River from a Husky Energy pipeline near Maidstone. A state of emergency was declared by the city and surrounding areas as a result.

Many city staff were laid off due to the water restrictions handed down after the water intake was shut off Monday, July 25.

The salaries of 35 full and part time lifeguards at the Kinsmen Water Park, which was shuttered for more than two weeks, will be claimed.

“The majority of the (water park) staff is students that rely on their wages earned during the summer to pay for tuition and living costs in the fall when they return to school,” Mayor Greg Dionne said in the release.

Administrators anticipate Husky Energy to reimburse the invoices within 24 hours.

The independent financial firm Deloitte was brought in to assist with the claims process.

P.A. businesses such as car washes and laundromats were also forced to close due to the water restriction. Business owners can apply for reimbursements from Husky Energy as well.