Evacuation orders have been rescinded and the buses are waiting as evacuees from Sandy Bay received news that they could head home.
Residents were s staying in hotels or with family and friends, in different cities for the past four weeks. However, they are now free to return home, according to a Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation (PBCN) Notice issued Tuesday, Sept. 10.
The Sandy Bay leadership said they made the decision and took the action “after careful consideration and consultation with fire, health and infrastructure experts.” The decision is the beginning of the repatriation process for all the Sandy Bay evacuees.
The risk from the Flanagan fire is now low and all essential services, such as: power, water, sewer, healthcare, and grocery stores as “fully operational and ready to welcome you back,” reads the notice.
Buses began ferrying folks home beginning at 9 a.m. with four buses, one at each, the Heritage Inn and Quality Inn, and two at the Ramada Inn.
Additional buses are being scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 11 and Thursday, Sept. 12 to transport the remaining community members.
The Sandy Bay Health Centre and other health and support services in the community are fully prepared to care for Priority 1 and Priority 2 individuals, who may need extra care.
“Care packages and essential supplies will be distributed upon arrival,” reads the notice.
For those staying in hotel, they have been asked to have all their belongings packed and ready, and to checkout from their hotel by 9 a.m. on Sept. 10.
Those travelling in personal vehicles may fill up with fuel at the PetroCan in Prince Albert beginning Tuesday morning. Everyone has been asked to have their details ready for the gas station as a line-up is expected.
The Notice, signed by Vice Chief Justin Halcrow, encourages evacuees to follow instructions and to “be mindful of others and take your time getting home -there is no rush, and we want everyone to return safety.”
In the Notice, Halcrow acknowledges the challenging time the four weeks of evacuation has been on everyone and expressed appreciation to everyone for their support.
If any further assistance is needed, people are asked to contact the PBCN Emergency Operations Centre (ECO) in Sandy Bay.
