Photo Courtesy of Canadian Press

By Jayson Taylor

Government of Alberta approves $175 million recovery program for Alberta communities impacted by wildfires

Jul 4, 2023 | 1:45 PM

EDMONTON – Over 1.4 million hectares of land have burned across Alberta over May and June resulting in 38,000 Albertans being evacuated from their homes. Fights against the fires have been undertaken by firefighters from not only across Alberta but from other parts of Canada and even internationally.

No lives have been lost in the wildfire season so far and most fires are now under control bringing a glimmer of hope to many across Alberta.

“This year’s wildfire season has had an early and profound impact on Alberta communities, and our hearts go out to all those affected. Our government stands ready and willing to help Alberta communities. We are committed to supporting local authorities and will use the Disaster Recovery Program to provide financial assistance for the extraordinary costs to respond to the wildfires,” Premier Danielle Smith said in a statement on Tuesday.

Local authorities affected by the wildfires can now apply for costs incurred responding to the wildfires and repairing related damage. Eligible expenses that may be covered include volunteer firefighter wages, local authority firefighter and municipal staff overtime costs, mutual aid costs for reception centre accommodation, food and transportation, structural protection costs and infrastructure damaged during wildfire response.

“The Disaster Recovery Program will play a crucial role helping impacted municipalities and Metis Settlements recover. We will continue collaborating with local leaders, listening to their needs and working together to support a swift and effective recovery,” Minister of Municipal Affairs Ric McIver said on Tuesday.

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“I’m extremely grateful to the province for this support. This program will help us rebuild and recover from one of the most devastating events our community has had to face and ensure that we can move forward stronger than ever. I look forward to continuing to work together to best support Drayton Valley,” Drayton Valley mayor Nancy Dodds said in a statement.

The Disaster Recovery Program has been used to help communities affected by extraordinary natural disasters in Alberta in past years. These include the 2020 Northern Alberta floods, 2016 Fort McMurray wildfire, 2013 Southern Alberta floods and the 2011 Slave Lake wildfire.

The program provides financial assistance for uninsurable loss and damage caused by emergencies and disasters.

Full details can be found on the government’s website.