Fort Chipewyan Community Update

Jan 25, 2024

What's new today:

Recognizing the need for community connection, a gathering place at the Snye is being provided for Fort Chipewyan community members to come together, be close to the water and visit with friends and relatives. Fort Chipewyan Together on the Snye is a supportive space where community members and their relatives can participate in ceremony and activities that promote wellness and connection.

The gathering place will open on Friday, June 9 from 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. and remain open daily until it's safe for residents to return home. An Elder will begin and end each day with a prayer.

Food will be available for breakfast and lunch with refreshments served throughout the day. A shuttle schedule can be found at rmwb.ca/fortchip.

Wildfire status

At the time of this update, Alberta Wildfire is reporting that wildfire MWF-025 is approximately 31,390 hectares and burning out of control approximately 7 km from the centre of Fort Chipewyan.

Yesterday, fire activity was extreme, winds pushed the wildfire towards the northeast. The wildfire did not grow towards Fort Chipewyan, the airport or Allison Bay. Alberta Wildfire conducted controlled burns last night to pull the wildfire towards a natural barrier, the Lake Athabasca shoreline. This was a nighttime operation and smoke columns were visible from parts of Allison Bay and Fort Chipewyan.

More than 220 firefighters and Alberta Wildfire support personnel, 20 helicopters and several pieces of heavy equipment, with support from 65 Canadian Armed Forces personnel, are directly working to hold and manage the wildfire. There are dozens of firefighters and teams on the ground that are continuing to build new fire breaks around the community to enhance the fire breaks that are already in place.

Find up-to-date information on the status of wildfires in the region on Alberta Wildfire's Interactive Map and in the Fort McMurray Forested Area Updates. This information is also available on the Alberta Wildfire app.

FireSmart efforts ongoing in Fort Chipewyan

Important progress is being made to protect the community from wildfire through FireSmart practices and principles. The Regional Emergency Services program manager is in Fort Chipewyan this week to provide guidance and support for those efforts.

Nation leaders providing daily updates

Official updates from the three Nation leaders are being provided daily at 7:30 p.m. These joint updates can be found on the leaders’ Facebook pages and will also be shared on the Nations’ Facebook pages.

Reminder: Vehicles left at Big Dock need to be moved

If you left your vehicle at the dock in Fort Chipewyan, it needs to be moved. Athabasca Tribal Council and the teams supporting evacuees at the hotels will help you send your keys to Fort Chipewyan.

Supports for evacuees

Events for Thursday, June 8

Event

Location

Time

Elders UniTea at McMurray Metis

441 Sakitawaw Trail

11a.m.-3 p.m.

Childrens Activities and Toys to Play (0-3 years)

262 Gregoire Drive

9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Play on Space Indoor Playground (ages 1-12)

8130 Manning Ave.

11:30 a.m.-7 p.m.

Free admission for evacuees

Heritage Village and Shipyard

9 a.m.-5 p.m.

St.Aidan's Senior Programming

Aquafit

MacDonald Island Park (Shallow Pool)

Monday to Friday 9 a.m.-10 a.m.

Ageless &Unstoppable Fitness

MacDonald Island Park (3rd floor track)

Mon-Thurs 1p.m.-1:50 p.m. and 2 p.m.-2:50 p.m.

Ageless & Unstoppable Yoga

MacDonald Island Park (The Studio)

Fridays 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.

How to get there:

Accessible transportation

Call Sparksman Dispatch at 780-790-3960 to request access to wheelchair friendly transportation. SMART Bus service is available by appointment to seniors (65 years or older) and those with mobility issues. Register and book a ride at rmwb.ca/smartbus. Call 780-743-7909 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

All bookings should be made at least 24 hours in advance.

Canada Post-mail being held in Fort McMurray

For awareness, Canada Post in Fort McMurray has held all mail for Fort Chipewyan residents since the evacuation order on May 30. They will continue to do so until further notice.

Emergency Social Services (ESS) located at Quality Hotel Personal supplies continue to be available through our donation centre at the Quality Hotel & Conference Centre, 424 Gregoire Drive, open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Please note that we are unable to fill requests for specific personal items outside of those available at the donation centre.

Salvation Army Family Services (9919 MacDonald Ave.), What's In Store (10020 Franklin Ave.) and Thrifty Dutchess (8104 Franklin Ave.) are also offering clothing support.

Additional ESS resources are also available at the hotels accommodating evacuees. If support is needed after 8 p.m., please contact Pulse at 1-800-973-9663 or 780-743-7000.

Meal allowances If you are a member of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, Mikisew Cree First Nation or Fort Chipewyan Métis Nation, please contact your Nation for meal allowance information. For evacuees assigned accommodations through the RMWB, meals will be provided at the Quality Hotel & Conference Centre.

Provincial financial support-Additional location for June 7/8

The province is providing financial support if you have been evacuated from your primary residence for seven days or more. Albertans who qualify will receive: $1,250 for each adult aged 18 and older and $500 for each dependent child under 18. Ensure you have registered for a MyAlberta account. Learn more at evacuationpayment.alberta.ca.

Location and hours of operation for Alberta Supports:

If you have questions, please call 310-4455.

Reminder for pet owners

Bylaw Services has moved all dogs to K9 Clubhouse. Cats are being held at the Fort McMurray SPCA. To check if your pet is one of them, arrange for pick up or assistance if your pet is still in Fort Chipewyan, contact Pulse at 1-800-973-9663 or 780-743-7000.

Pet food and limited pet supplies (such as cat litter and dog/cat leashes) are available for pick up at the Quality Inn Hotel.

Healthy Habits

While in close quarters make sure to practice healthy habits including:

Good hand hygiene:

Use soap and warm water, wash your hands thoroughly and often, including after coughing, sneezing, using tissues or the washroom and before eating meals.

If you are feeling unwell: Please refrain from visiting family, friends or loved ones until you have fully recovered from any illness and if you're feeling unwell, stay in your accommodation.

If you need non-emergency medical advice, contact 811.

For a list of mental health resources, visit rmwb.ca/fortchip

Stay informed

All emergency updates and information is available at rmwb.ca/fortchip and on community trusted channels, as well as the Municipal Facebook and Twitter pages @RMWoodBuffalo.

For questions or further information, please call Pulse at 780-743-7000 or 1-800-973-9663.

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