Local residents and organizations stepped up in a big way in 2016 to support those fleeing from the Fort McMurray wildfire.
At the start of May, the residents of Fort McMurray and the surrounding area found themselves in a panic as the threat of the wildfire grew and a mandatory evacuation was ordered.
Over 900 evacuees ended up in Bonnyville, as the community welcomed them with open arms.
The town established an evacuee check-in centre at the Centennial Centre, and soon after became an official evacuee reception centre. Immediately after the news of an evacuation broke, local hotels opened their doors, businesses offered free meals or services, and in typical Bonnyville-fashion, a brigade of volunteers came together to host donation drives for money and necessities.
“The community of Bonnyville responded as it always does; with a very open heart and helping hands,” Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority Fire Chief Brian McEvoy told the Nouvelle in May.
Truck loads of items arrived at main donation hubs in Bonnyville Centralized High School and the Bonnyville Baptist Church. The Bonnyville SPCA opened up their kennel doors for boarding animal evacuees. To try and keep children in their “normal” routine through such a difficult time, the local school boards gladly welcomed in any students and waived the school fees.
While in Bonnyville residents were doing what they could, members of the Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority (BRFA) made their way north to assist on the frontline. A crew of three members and a tank truck were sent first, followed by a replacement crew.
Evacuees who didn't return to Fort McMurray right away were transitioned out of emergent care and into more long-term housing, as part of a three-month provincial transition program.
As to be expected, there were bumps along the way. But the effort put in by the area was one local officials were proud of.
“I personally provide a lot of kudos to everyone involved. They al pulled together for the common good,” said Bonnyville Mayor Gene Sobolewski at a June 14 council meeting. “We were the only regional effort in Alberta in this emergency. It was the MD and the town together, and at times Cold Lake.”
