Plan to rebuild Slave Lake, Alberta takes shape as evacuees return home

Evacuees are returning to the fire-ravaged town of Slave Lake, Alberta after the implementation of a multi-phase plan, which includes the restoration and repair of critical community infrastructure. A forest fire that burned out of control last month destroyed nearly half the northern community and forced the evacuation of all 7,000 residents.

Evacuees are returning to the fire-ravaged town of Slave Lake, Alta. after the implementation of a multi-phase plan, which includes the restoration and repair of critical community infrastructure.

Essential services staff and their families were being allowed back into the community to begin the process of restoring vital infrastructure and services prior to the return of evacuees to the community, said Slave Lake mayor Karina Pillay-Kinnee.

A forest fire that burned out of control last month destroyed nearly half the northern community and forced the evacuation of all 7,000 residents.

The Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) in Slave Lake is overseeing a four-phase plan to manage the safe and orderly return of evacuees to the community.

“You cannot underestimate the level of detail and necessary checks that are needed to begin the re-entry process,” said Alberta Municipal Affairs Minister Hector Goudreau.

The first phase of the re-entry plan, which ensured critical infrastructure was in place, is complete.

This involved the full restoration of electricity, as well as phone, water and gas service in areas that weren’t damaged by the fire.

ATCO Electric and ATCO Gas also mobilized a 200-person temporary housing facility for workers that are being deployed to restore power and gas service to areas damaged by wildfires.

About 100 electric and gas workers from ATCO required immediate accommodation because wildfires in northern Alberta have caused extensive damage.

With Phase 1 complete, the EOC began the second phase of the plan, which allowed for essential service workers and their families to return home.

Essential service workers include health care providers, utility personnel, protective and fire service personnel, local government and community officials.

Phase 3 involved business owners and workers returning to undamaged businesses in the community.

The provincial government announced on May 27 that Phase 4 was underway, which allows the general re-entry of families to the community.

Fire damage to local ATCO Gas infrastructure is extensive, but confined to Slave Lake.

The wildfire also damaged the electrical infrastructure that services oil and gas facilities located in northeastern Alberta, creating an urgent need for workers to rebuild and repair.

The Alberta government approved an initial $50 million towards the immediate needs of the evacuees and the rebuilding of Slave Lake and surrounding communities.