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The Government of Saskatchewan says it is providing up to 35 temporary, modular homes for Creighton and Denare Beach residents who lost their homes in the Wolf Fire this summer.
The Wolf Fire destroyed more than 400 structures, including more than 200 homes in the village of Denare Beach.
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Denare Beach Councillor Karen Thomson said the announcement is very welcome news, especially with winter looming.
“That’s paramount. People absolutely need to have housing. They can’t be going into October and have not yet secured proper housing, especially families with children that are attending school,” Thomson told 980 CJME.
“You can imagine how difficult that is – they’ve lost their homes, they’ve lost everything and if you have a family and school is here and winter is approaching, it’s absolutely paramount that those homes be built.”
Rhonda Werbicki’s Denare Beach home before and after the fire. The small ceramic lighthouse is one of the only indicators of what once stood there. (Rhonda Werbicki/submitted)
The province said the housing units will be available for residents in October.
Thomson said around 35 families and or individuals have been identified for support, and most of them will be situated in Creighton.
She added that the affected people will also need emotional and mental health support.
“We’ve had a resiliency centre established this summer as well, and the people in the area have been very generous. There is a lot of clothing and dishes and those types of things,” Thomson said.
“I think the emotional support is a big thing. The insurance is another thing that is looming over a lot of people because the insurance claims have not yet been finalized. So those are things that are necessary to be done for people to move forward.”
Linda Lowe said her Denare Beach home now sits in a hole in the basement. (Linda Lowe/submitted).
Thomson also stressed the importance of the affected people to have the finances to be able to be able to support themselves.
Thomson said the community has made great strides in cleaning up since the fire.
“We’re proud of our community. The progress that we’ve made in the cleanup is astounding. We see progress every day, and for just three months post-fire, we’ve had all the lots cleaned now, except for one,” Thomson said.
“It’s outstanding the resilience that this community has shown, and I am very proud of the residents of the community and of our mayor and council and everybody that’s working hard to pull this community back together.”
Cyndi Pedwell’s home burned to the ground after fast-moving fires moved into Denare Beach. (Cyndi Pedwell/submitted)
Thomson also praised the efforts of the town of Creighton, saying its people were “genuine neighbours.
“The Town of Creighton is pleased to help the residents of Denare Beach in their time of need,” Creighton Mayor Bruce Fidler said in a provincial news release.
“It is very important to us to support temporary housing for displaced individuals and families as they work to rebuild and recover.”
The province said it hosted an information session with leaders of the two communities to inform them of the plan last week.
