(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

GH Dawe Community Centre

Red Deer welcoming up to 1,000 evacuees from Northwest Territories

Aug 17, 2023 | 12:30 PM

The City of Red Deer says they will be welcoming up to 1,000 evacuees from the Northwest Territories today.

Officials confirm a reception centre for the evacuees, some from the capital city of Yellowknife, will be ready at noon on Thursday at the GH Dawe Community Centre (6175 67 Street).

As of noon today, the provincial government for the Northwest Territories states on their website that there are 236 active wildfires affecting 2,126,254 hectares.

According to the Canadian Press, there are roughly 20,000 evacuees, with residents from Yellowknife and two nearby First Nation communities.

Evacuees arriving in Red Deer are being asked to register at the GH Dawe Community Centre (6175 67 Street). They say additional supports are available including assistance for lodging, meals, medical and pet care.

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The Centre remains open to the public and all recreation activities are running as scheduled.

People looking to support evacuees can do so by donating to the Canadian Red Cross or Central Alberta Humane Society (to support evacuees with pets). Both organizations are accepting monetary donations only.

• Donations to the Red Cross can be made either online or at the local Red Cross Office (105 – 5301 43 Street).
• To donate to the Central Alberta Humane Society, visit their website

More information on The City’s response is available on their website.

The Alberta government also said they will providing up to date information for evacuees online.

Toll-free numbers will be open as of Friday at 8 a.m. and will be available until 8 p.m., seven days a week.

Evacuees in Alberta looking for information can call the toll-free Alberta Wildfire Resource Line, 310-4455.

Residents still in the Northwest Territories and preparing to evacuate can call toll-free 1-877-770-4636.

Road side supports

Alberta’s government has set up a refueling station at Steen River, including water and washroom facilities. Staff from the Ministry of Transportation and Economic Corridors are directing traffic with instructions along the highway and via 511 Alberta.

In addition, officials say key supports are in place for evacuees using the highway, including tow trucks, pilot vehicles, heavy duty mechanics, mobile tire repair services and roving patrols to aid with stranded motorists.

Free camping for evacuees

Individuals under mandatory evacuation can camp for free in Alberta Parks. Evacuees must first register at a registration centre and then call the Alberta Parks Contact Centre at 1-877-537-2757 to be matched to a campsite. Evacuees will be able to stay at their campsite for up to 10 consecutive nights while they are evacuated.

More information is available on Alberta.ca