Update 5: Calgary continues supporting Northwest Territories wildfire evacuees

The Calgary Emergency Management Agency provided an update on the Northwest Territories (NWT) wildfire response to the Emergency Management Meeting of Council the afternoon of Friday, Sept. 1.

The City of Calgary continues to be committed to housing NWT wildfire evacuees for as long as is required. Calgary hotels have stepped up to support evacuees from Yellowknife and the Northwest Territories commendably. Due to the continued arrival of evacuees, we will have to utilize other tools in our toolbox. We will be adding group lodging as part of our response beginning tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 2. We will monitor incoming evacuee registrations to provide lodging and other supports as needed.   

“Our hearts go out to those affected by the wildfires. We stand by our neighbours in need,” said Calgary Emergency Management Agency Chief Sue Henry. “We know that some of the evacuated residents are struggling and need support. We will continue to do our best to help them as needed.”

With the announcement of the Community Re-entry Plan, we know that Yellowknife residents are eager to return home. We encourage evacuees to follow the process outlined by the City of Yellowknife.

Calgary continues to register evacuees for support at the Westin Airport Hotel reception centre located at 671 Aero Drive N.E. which continues to be open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. this Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Outside of those hours, evacuees can contact 3-1-1 to provide your information, and a member of the Calgary Emergency Management Agency Emergency Social Services Team will accommodate you during hours of operation.

To date, more than 3,600 evacuees have registered in Calgary. New arriving evacuees in Calgary will be directed to group lodging.

Our thoughts continue to be with the people of Northwest Territories.

More information for wildfire evacuees can be found at calgary.ca/wildfires.