Calgary to take in thousands of NWT wildfire evacuees
The City of Calgary says it is prepared to accommodate residents of the Northwest Territories who have been evacuated due to wildfires.
The Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) has activated the Municipal Emergency Plan as of Thursday, which it says will allow for better co-ordination in accepting and accommodating those who have been displaced.
Calgary says it is prepared to support up to 5,000 people find shelter and additional supports as wildfires continue to rage in the north.
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“We understand these are difficult times for the people who are fleeing to escape the fires,” Iain Bushell, Director of Emergency Management and Community Safety said at a press conference Aug. 17. “We want to ensure that when they arrive in Calgary, they have access to accommodations, amenities, government services and mental health supports.”
Calgary Emergency Management Agency has been monitoring the NWT wildfire situation closely, and a decision has been made in tandem with the provincial government to offer support. We are committed to helping northern neighbours. My statement here. pic.twitter.com/2YlouXziqu
— Jyoti Gondek (@JyotiGondek) August 17, 2023
Calgary International Airport (YYC) will serve as the reception centre for those fleeing, as many people are expected to arrive by plane.
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Those who are driving can go to the Westin Calgary Airport after 2 p.m. to check-in.
Emotional and wellness support teams will be available at both reception centres, according to the city.
City shelters are also preparing to accommodate pets that have fled with their owners with shelter and supplies.
The city says it has also dispatched 10 personnel to form an incident management team from Canada Task Force 2 — an all-hazards disaster response team.
The team is based out of Calgary and is dedicated to emergency response, incident management, and urban search and rescue, according to the city. This team is a partnership between Calgary, the province and the federal government.
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Calgary officials encourage those looking to support evacuees financially to check the Northwest Territories website for recommended organizations to donate to.
Reception centres in the city are not equipped to accept donations, the city says.
Those struggling with the current situation and may be in need of support are encouraged to call 211 to be connected to appropriate resources.
