Update 16: Northwest Alberta wildfires (June 6 at 6 p.m.)

Lloyd Lewis

Published

5 years ago

17 minute read

June 06, 2019

Weather conditions favourable for firefighters.

Wet, cooler weather has contributed to conditions that make it easier for fighting wildfires across the province. Rain continues to fall in many areas of Alberta while the High Level area experiences cool temperatures.

Approximately 4,800 evacuees remain displaced. Steen River and Trout Lake evacuees are now eligible for evacuation payments.

The following communities remain on evacuation alert:

Keg River, Carcajou and all residents from the northern border of the County of Northern Lights to Township Road 922 (Notikewin Road)
Hamlet of Sandy Lake
Town of Slave Lake
MD of Lesser Slave Lake, including Old Smith Highway, Mitsue, Poplar Lane, Fawcett Lake, Eben Road and Bayer Road
Peerless Lake area of Peerless Trout First Nation
Town of Manning and some surrounding areas
Mackenzie County: everyone north and south of the Peace River from Township Road 1030 north to Township Road 1110, west of Range Road 120 to Highway 35 south and southeast of High Level, and east of Range Road 180 (Blue Hills Road)

Mandatory evacuations remain in place for:

Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement
Some areas of Mackenzie County: west of Blues Creek, north of Highway 697, west of Blue Hills Road (RR 180) and north of Township Road 1030 and La Crete Ferry Campground to the Peace River.
Steen River
The Trout Lake area of Peerless Trout First Nation
Bigstone Cree Nation
- Wabasca No. 166
Parts of the MD of Opportunity No. 17
Hamlet of Wabasca – Desmarais
Hamlet of Sandy Lake
Chipewyan Lake Village

Current situation:

Chuckegg Creek wildfire, southwest of High Level, is about 275,985 hectares.
Jackpot Creek wildfire, approximately 11 kilometres north of Lutose, is about 28,100 hectares.
McMillan Wildfire Complex, southwest of Bigstone Cree Nation, is more than 248,000 hectares.
Battle Wildfire Complex in Peace River is about 56,200 hectares.
There are more than 2,100 wildland and structural firefighters and staff, approximately 223 helicopters and 28 air tankers and heavy equipment on these fires.
Check Alberta Emergency Alerts for more detailed and frequently updated information.
People driving in fire-affected areas should carry enough fuel, as it may not be readily available.

Visit emergency.alberta.ca for detailed and frequently updated information.

Air quality

Smoke is causing poor air quality and reducing visibility in parts of the province.
Much of northwestern Alberta is under a special air quality statement.
Individuals may experience symptoms, such as increased coughing, throat irritation, headaches or shortness of breath. Children, seniors and those with cardiovascular or lung disease, such as asthma, are especially at risk.
If you experience breathing difficulties, find an indoor place that’s cool and ventilated.
Alberta Wildfire recommends checking FireSmoke.ca to find out where the smoke is coming from.

Financial supports

Evacuees should check alberta.ca/emergency for updates on evacuation payment eligibility.
Evacuees in need of financial assistance for immediate needs can apply for an Income Support program emergency needs allowance. This benefit may cover your accommodation, clothing and other urgent needs. Please call 1-877-644-9992 for more information.
You may qualify for the evacuation payment if you:
- were living, working or vacationing in the affected area
- were forced to leave due to an evacuation order
- paid for most of your costs to evacuate
- were forced to leave your residence (primary, working or vacationing) due to a mandatory evacuation order – current communities include:
  - High Level
  - Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement
  - Bushe River
  - Chateh
  - Meander River
  - Wabasca-Desmarais
  - Bigstone Cree Nation 166 A, B, C and D
  - Sandy Lake
  - Chipewyan Lake Village
  - Keg River
  - Carcajou
  - Northern border of the County of Northern Lights to Township Road 922 (Notikewin Road)
  - Steen River
  - Trout Lake
Albertans who qualify will receive $1,250 and $500 for each dependent child under 18 living in the same home when the evacuation order was given.
Application methods:
Apply online through the MyAlberta Evacuation Payment application using a smart-phone, device or desktop. Interac e-transfers may take 24 hours to process.
If you’re in the Edmonton area and from an eligible community, please visit the Edmonton Expo Centre, 7515 118 Ave before 9 p.m. on Thursday, June 6 or between 8:30 a.m. and noon on Friday, June 7.
- Parking is free for evacuees. Let the parking attendant know the purpose of your visit.
You can also apply in-person at Calling Lake Community Complex, Central Drive and 1 Street before 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 6 if you’re from:
Wabasca-Desmarais
Carcajou
Sandy Lake
Chipewyan Lake Village
Keg River
Bigstone Cree Nation 166 A, B, C and D
Northern border of the County of Northern Lights to Township Road 922 (Notikewin Road)
If you’re not in the Edmonton or Calling Lake areas, contact 310-4455 to find the nearest payment distribution centre.
Photo identification
Proof of residence or presence in the community
Identification for dependent children if claiming for them
If you are visiting a payment distribution centre, please bring:
More than 10,300 individuals have received evacuee support, and more than $10.4 million has been distributed.

Reception and call centres

All evacuees should register with an evacuation reception centre, even if you’ve found alternate accommodations.
Some reception centres have been demobilized. This means evacuees are able to contact the centres by phone. If there is a need, staff will assist them on an individual basis:
- Grande Prairie – 780-567-5587
Reception centres are open at:
Peace River Misery Mountain Ski Hill (10408 89 Street)
Calling Lake Recreation Centre (2870 Central Drive)
Back Lakes Arena (249 Red Earth)
Evacuation reception centre hours can be found at emergency.alberta.ca.
The Alberta Government’s call centre will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. until Friday, June 7 at 310-4455.

Highway updates

To stay informed on all road closures due to the wildfires, visit 511.Alberta.ca or download the mobile app.

Insurance information

Most home and tenant insurance policies provide coverage for living expenses during an evacuation.
Evacuees should retain all of their receipts for food, accommodation and other related expenses to provide to their insurer.
Albertans can contact the Insurance Bureau of Canada at 1-844-227-5422 or by email at [email protected]. Information about insurance coverage is available online at ibc.ca/ab/disaster/alberta-wildfire.

Justice and legal matters

High Level Court matters will resume in High Level on Monday, June 10 at 8:15 a.m.
Community Corrections and Release will resume operations out of High Level at 8:15 a.m. on Friday, June 7.
Chateh Court matters will be heard in High Level Court until further notice. Please contact the High Level Court at 780-926-3715 for inquiries.
Fort Vermilion Court matters will resume immediately, as scheduled. Please call 780-926-3715 for inquiries.
Wabasca Desmarais matters will continue to be held in High Prairie until further notice. Please contact the High Prairie Court at 780-523-6600 regarding any matters scheduled.
If you have an appointment with a probation officer in an evacuated area, report to the community corrections office nearest you. Please call 780-427-3109 (to call toll-free, first dial 310-0000) for information.
If you are an intermittent server in an evacuated area, call the Peace River Correctional Centre at 780-624-5480 (to call toll-free, first dial 310-0000).

Education

The schools of Fort Vermilion School Division will remain closed for the remainder of the school year. Students wishing to write a diploma exam, Grade 6 or Grade 9 provincial achievement tests should make arrangements with the Fort Vermilion School Division. For further information visit: fvsd.ab.ca.
School officials in fire-impacted areas will address the impacts of disruption on the academic program and school year. Students or their guardians should watch for online or direct communications from local school authorities about specific changes.

Provincial park closures

Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park trails and day-use areas, including the Boreal Centre for Bird Conservation, are open. Campgrounds remain closed.
Twin Lakes Provincial Recreation Area, Moose Lake Provincial Park and Notikewin Provincial Park are closed.
Calling Lake Provincial Park campground is closed to accommodate evacuees from the MD of Opportunity. Any campground reservations will be refunded.

Boil water advisory

A boil water advisory is in place for Meander River (Dene Tha’ First Nation).

Health

Mental health support is available by calling Alberta’s 24-hour help line at 1-877-303-2642, the Addiction Helpline at 1-866-332-2322, or Health Link at 811.
Alberta Health Services is providing support to the reception centres. These supports include addiction and mental health, Indigenous health liaisons, nursing, emergency medical services, public health and home care.
The Northwest Health Centre in High Level is open, with all emergency, laboratory, X-ray, mental health and community health departments open.
Alberta Health Services will be providing enhanced addiction and mental health services to help residents in High Level following the evacuation.
New, temporary walk-in services for individuals experiencing addiction and mental health concerns are available seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Mental Health Clinic at Northwest Health Centre in High Level. Scheduled visits with new and existing clients will resume on Monday, June 10, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, please call the clinic directly at 780-841-3229.
Alberta Health Services has relocated acute patients and continuing care residents from La Crete and Fort Vermilion to health facilities in Edmonton and surrounding communities.
The emergency department at St. Theresa General Hospital in Fort Vermilion remains open.

Pets and livestock

High Level animal control has collected household pets that have been left behind. For questions regarding your pets, please call 780-926-2201.
For evacuees in the Wabasca area, please fill out an online form on the Alberta Animal Disaster Response Facebook group, or text 403-869-4964 and provide your name, contact number, number of animals missing, where they were last seen, and a brief description of your pet.
The County of Northern Lights will allow residents to enter property to look after livestock between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. Residents must first go to the county office to register for the temporary access pass.

Electricity and natural gas billing

High Level and area residential, farm, irrigation and small commercial electricity and natural gas customers affected by the evacuation will not be billed for the period covered by the order.

Donations and volunteers

High Level is not accepting donations or volunteers at this time.
The Town of Slave Lake has set up an online form for offers.
Check the Mackenzie County Facebook page for an up-to-date list of donations needed and drop-off locations.

Canada Post

Mail service has been suspended in:

High Level, Meander River, Chateh, Paddle Prairie, Keg River, Wabasca, Notikewin, Hotchkiss, Trout Lake
- High Level evacuees can pick up mail from the Slave Lake Post Office
- Chateh evacuees can pick up mail at the Fort Vermilion Post Office
- Meander River evacuees can pick up mail at the La Crete Post Office

Mail service has been restored in:

Fort Vermilion, La Crete, Rainbow Lake, Zama City

If you require urgent access to critical items, such as medications and passports, please call 1-800-267-1177. You may be able to arrange for pick up at the Slave Lake Post Office (100 2 Street NE).

Mail will be held at the Edmonton depot until mail service resumes.

Check the Canada Post website for updates.

Income Support, Alberta Supports and AISH

Evacuees receiving the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped or the Income Support program by cheque rather than electronic deposit can pick up their cheque at their nearest Alberta Supports Centres.
If you are in La Crete, you can pick up your cheque at the local reception centre. If you receive your benefits via direct deposit, your payment will be deposited as usual.
For information on child intervention and child care, call 1-800-638-0715.
Persons with developmental disabilities, their families or contracted service providers can call the nearest Alberta Supports Centre for assistance.
For additional information on social benefits, or to find a list of Alberta Supports Centres, call 1-877-644-9992 provincewide between 7:30 a.m. and 8 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Employment insurance: evacuees can visit Service Canada online to apply at www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei.html. Use code 4812014812201900.

Health card, driver’s licences, ID cards, birth certificate

To get a replacement Health Care Insurance Card call 780-427-1432 or toll free at 310-0000 and then 780-427-1432 when prompted. Your Alberta Personal Health Card can be mailed to a temporary address.
If driver’s licences, identification cards, and/or birth certificates were left behind during the evacuation, replacement cards and certificates can be ordered free of charge at a registry agent.

Public information

You can call 310-4455 for more information.

Related information

Lloyd Lewis

www.todayville.com

President Todayville Inc., Honorary Colonel 41 Signal Regiment, Board Member Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Award Foundation, Director Canadian Forces Liaison Council (Alberta) musician, photographer, former VP/GM CTV Edmonton.

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Alberta

Political parties will be part of municipal elections in Edmonton and Calgary pilot projects

Published on April 25, 2024

Government of Alberta

Strengthening Alberta’s local elections

Alberta’s government is introducing legislation to ensure Albertans can rely on transparent, free and fair elections, and municipally-elected officials have clearer accountability measures.

In a democratic society, Albertans expect their local elections to be free and fair, and their elected officials to be held to account by clear rules that govern their local councils. The Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act proposes amendments to the Local Authorities Election Act (LAEA) and the Municipal Government Act (MGA) to add greater transparency to local election processes and ensure local councils and elected officials continue to remain accountable to the citizens who elected them.

“Our government is committed to strengthening Albertans’ trust in their local governments and the democratic process that elects local leaders. The changes we are making increase transparency for Alberta voters and provide surety their votes will be counted accurately. We know how important local democracy is to Albertans, and we will work with local authorities to protect and enhance the integrity of local elections.”

Ric McIver, Minister of Municipal Affairs

Local Authorities Election Act

Albertans expect free and fair elections and that’s why it’s important we strengthen the rules that govern local elections. To strengthen public trust in local elections, Alberta’s government will eliminate the use of electronic tabulators and other automated voting machines. All Albertans should be able to trust the methods and results of local elections; requiring all ballots to be counted by hand, clarifying rules and streamlining processes for scrutineers will provide voters greater assurance in the integrity of the results.

All eligible Albertans should be able to vote in local elections without impediment. Alberta’s government will limit the barriers for eligible voters to cast a ballot by expanding the use of special ballots. Currently, special ballots can only be requested for very specific reasons, including physical disability, absence from the municipality, or for municipal election workers. By expanding the use of special ballots, the government is encouraging more voter participation.

Amendments in the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act would increase transparency in local elections by enabling political parties at the local level. Political parties would be enabled in a pilot project for Edmonton and Calgary. The act will not require candidates to join a political party in order to run for a local or municipal office, but will create the opportunity to do so.

In addition, proposed changes to the Local Authorities Election Act would allow municipalities the option to require criminal record checks for local candidates, thus increasing transparency and trust in candidates who may go on to become elected officials.

Municipal Government Act

The role of an elected official is one with tremendous responsibility and expectations. Changes proposed to the Municipal Government Act (MGA) will strengthen the accountability of locally elected officials and councils. These include requiring mandatory orientation training for councillors, allowing elected officials to recuse themselves for real or perceived conflicts of interest without third-party review and requiring a councillor’s seat to become vacant upon disqualification.

If passed, the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act will also unlock new tools to build affordable and attainable housing across Alberta. Proposed amendments under the MGA would also create more options for municipalities to accelerate housing developments in their communities. Options include:

Exempting non-profit, subsidized affordable housing from both municipal and education property taxes;
Requiring municipalities to offer digital participation for public hearings about planning and development, and restricting municipalities from holding extra public hearings that are not already required by legislation; and
Enabling municipalities to offer multi-year residential property tax exemptions.

Municipal Affairs will engage municipalities and other partners over the coming months to hear perspectives and gather feedback to help develop regulations.

Quick facts

The LAEA establishes the framework for the conduct of elections in Alberta municipalities, school divisions, irrigation districts and Metis Settlements.
The MGA establishes the rules governing the conduct of local elected officials once on council, as well as the overall administration and operation of municipal authorities in Alberta, including any policy those authorities may wish to implement.

Related information

Alberta

Alberta official reveals ‘almost all’ wildfires in province this year have been started by humans

Published on April 25, 2024

Todayville

From LifeSiteNews

By Clare Marie Merkowsky

Alberta Minister of Forestry and Parks Todd Loewen said his department estimates that most of the province’s wildfires this year are man-made and not caused by ‘climate change.’

Alberta officials have announced that almost all fires in 2024 are believed to have been caused by humans despite ongoing claims that “climate change” is to blame.

On April 24, Alberta Minister of Forestry and Parks Todd Loewen revealed that his department estimates that most of the province’s wildfires this year are man-made and not caused by “climate change” as claimed by mainstream media and politicians.

“We expect that almost all of the wildfires we’ve experienced so far this year are human caused, given the point we’re at in the season and the types of weather we’re seeing,” Loewen stated.

Already, Alberta has put out 172 wildfires this year, and 63 are actively burning. However, Loewen did not seem overly alarmed, instead warning Albertans to watch their local fire bans and restrictions to reduce the high number of man-made wildfires.

“I urge you to assess your property for wildfire danger and take any preventive action you can to address these risks,” he said.

“This includes breaking up fuel sources that could ignite a structure, removing trees in close proximity to your home, and properly maintaining your gutters and roofs to rid the materials that could easily ignite such as leaves and dry needles,” Loewen added.

Loewen’s announcement comes just weeks after Alberta Premier Danielle Smith promised that arsonists who ignite wildfires in Alberta will be held accountable for their crimes.

“As we approach the wildfire season, it is important to understand that 67% of wildfires in Alberta are started by people,” she explained.

“If you start a wildfire, you can be charged, fined, and held liable for all costs associated with fighting the wildfire,” Smith added.

“All I know is in my province we have 650 fires and 500 of them were human caused,” she said, “so we have to make sure that when people know that when it’s dry out there and we get into forest fire season that they’re being a lot more careful because anytime you end up with an ignition that happens it can have devastating consequences.”

The Alberta government has also created an ad campaign highlighting the fact that most fires are caused by humans and not “climate change,” as many left-leaning politicians claim.

As reported by LifeSiteNews last year, Smith ordered arson investigators to look into why some of the wildfires that raged across the vast expanse of the province had “no known cause” shortly after they spread.

Indeed, despite claims that wildfires have drastically increased due to “climate change,” 2023 research revealed that wildfires have decreased globally while media coverage has spiked 400 percent.

Furthermore, many of the fires last spring and summer were discovered to be caused by arsonists and not “climate change.”

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have arrested arsonists who have been charged with lighting fires across the country, including in the Yukon, British Columbia, and Alberta.

In Quebec, satellite footage also showed the mysterious simultaneous eruption of several blazes across the province, sparking concerns that the fires were a coordinated effort by arsonists.

Despite the overwhelming evidence, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and mainstream media continue to claim that the fires are unprecedentedly dangerous and caused by “climate change” in an attempt to pass further regulations on natural resources.

The reduction and eventual elimination of the use of so-called “fossil fuels” and a transition to unreliable “green” energy has also been pushed by the World Economic Forum (WEF) – the globalist group behind the socialist “Great Reset” agenda – an organization with which Trudeau and some in his cabinet are involved.