As wildfires continue to threaten parts of northern Alberta, the city of Cold Lake has emerged as a beacon of support for evacuees fleeing the danger zones. Stepping up to provide shelter resources and assistance, Cold Lake has activated its emergency management protocols to ensure the safety and comfort of those affected.
Mayor Craig Copeland highlighted the city’s response efforts, stating that approximately 100 individuals have already gone through the registration process at the Agriplex in Cold Lake. While acknowledging that not all evacuees may register, Mayor Craig Copeland emphasized the city’s readiness to accommodate more people if the need arises.
“We have very highly trained staff when it comes to this, so we’re in a good position if the families and the people decide to come to Cold Lake,” Mayor Copeland affirmed.
The city’s emergency management office, under the leadership of Fire Chief Jeff Fallow and CAO Kevin Nagoya, has been coordinating efforts to aid evacuees. Mayor Copeland praised the expertise of the local teams, expressing confidence in their ability to handle the crisis effectively.
With capacity available in local hotels and the provincial government covering the costs of accommodation, Mayor Copeland urged evacuees to register at designated centers to facilitate assistance with finances and other needs.
“The best thing everybody that gets evacuated from Fort McMurray can do is to register at these centers,” Mayor Copeland advised.
Fire Chief Fallow provided insight into the operations at the Agriplex, which serves as a reception center for evacuees to register. While no one is staying at the Agriplex itself, over 100 individuals and more than 30 animals have been registered so far.
Registered evacuees are being provided with options for food and lodging, with access to additional facilities and programming at the Energy Centre. Trained volunteers ensure that operations run smoothly, with further assistance available if necessary.
As the situation unfolds, Cold Lake stands ready to support evacuees, awaiting updates from authorities to determine the next steps in their response efforts.
“We hope that evacuees find a warm welcome in the city of Cold Lake, as we know our community is quick to step up when the need arises,” Chief Fallow concluded, echoing the sentiment of solidarity and compassion that defines Cold Lake’s response to crises.
