The Cold Lake Energy Centre has been officially closed to the public until further notice after the City of Cold Lake stepped up to accommodate roughly 600 evacuees from Saskatchewan.
Due to a number of wildfires springing up just east of the border, residents of three Saskatchewan communities have been ordered to evacuate their homes, with many of them arriving in Cold Lake on Sunday (July 4) afternoon.
The Town of La Ronge, the Village of Air Ronge and the Lac La Ronge Indian Board have all been handed official evacuation orders from the Government of Saskatchewan.
Evacuees will be set up with cots and blankets in the Reid Field House, Imperial Oil Place and the Cold Lake High School gymnasium.
Speaking to the Nouvelle late on Sunday, Cold Lake Mayor Craig Copeland indicated the City had been preparing for a possible influx of evacuees since Wednesday and said the municipality would now be working hand in hand with the Canadian Red Cross and both the Alberta and Saskatchewan governments to make the best of the situation.
“It's like a little village in there at the moment, the Energy Centre is just full of people,” Copeland told the Nouvelle. “Right now we're all just trying to make the best of what is a difficult situation. The City is here to provide assistance to Red Cross, but they're in control of the situation.”
While there is no indication yet on how long the evacuees will be stationed at the Energy Centre, Copeland said the City would provide shelter and assistance for as long as is needed.
“It's hard to say how long we expect these people to be here… I guess it all depends on the fire situation,” Copeland said. “We'll wait and see. The likelihood is we're looking at several days of having these people here.”
Donations of clothing, blankets and like items are not being accepted at this time. The public will be notified if donations will be accepted.
“Right now, the best thing for people to do if they want to help out and donate is to go to Red Cross online and send a cash donation that way,” Copeland added.
Keep up with the Nouvelle online at www.bonnyvillenouvelle.ca for updates on the situation.
