PRINCE ALBERT — The government has committed $20 million in new funding to begin the rebuilding process for communities devastated by wildfires, with three key areas identified as priorities for recovery support.
Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod spoke during a media availability with other government officials, including Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency president and fire commissioner Marlo Pritchard, on Monday, July 7, in Prince Albert.
“It highlights the fact that the government is bringing an all-hands approach to the recovery phase to assist communities that have been devastated by these wildfires … We have partnerships with this process, with the Ministry of Crown Investment Corporation,” said McLeod.
“We know that the Ministry of Health has already advanced mental health services into the community of Denare [Beach] and Creighton to provide those additional supports to the community as they work through the recovery phase.”
McLeod added that the communities are leading the recovery phase, and the government, through the Recovery Task Team, will provide support, with the funds delivered through the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program.
The funds will be used for debris removal and environmental testing, as well as creating, expanding or maintaining landfills near impacted communities, and providing project management support to assist local recovery efforts.
The funding is available to communities and individuals who sustained losses during the provincial emergency declaration period from May 29 to June 26, or who were under a local state of emergency at the time of their loss.
PDAP support, however, does not fully cover community needs, and additional assistance will be provided. The funds will not cover environmental testing or clean-up already covered by personal or business insurance.
The RTT was established to lead the province's wildfire recovery efforts in its northern communities. The government is also advising individuals and businesses to contact their insurance providers if they haven’t already done so.
Representatives from the SPSA and the Ministries of Government Relations, Social Services, Environment, and Crown Corporations compose the RTT. The task team has already conducted an assessment of the preliminary needs of affected communities.
That assessment identified debris removal and site clean-up as the top priorities in communities such as Denare Beach and East Trout Lake, which were gravely affected by the wildfires — with the former losing 400 structures. The work will help communities initiate the recovery process.
“We know that the road to recovery begins with clearing the way to prepare for rebuilding. This funding is about safely rebuilding lives and supporting our communities every step of the way,” added McLeod, who also thanked community leaders and the RTT for their assessment work.
Environment Minister Travis Keisig, Government Relations Minister Eric Schmalz, and Social Services Minister Terry Jensen also attended the press briefing at the Provincial Response Centre.
