Larissa Kurz
Regina Leader-Post
Town councillor Karen Thomson says it has been an “emotional summer” for residents of Denare Beach, but the close-knit community finally feels like it’s on the path to recovery.
Nearly half of the northern village — located near Flin Flon at the Saskatchewan-Manitoba border — was lost when a wildfire swept through the area in June, destroying more than 200 homes and businesses over the course of a few days.
Two months later, Thomson says the wounds are still fresh but people have made “tremendous strides” toward beginning to heal and rebuild from such a devastating loss.
“The community is carrying their grief very well, but the grief is still there,” Thomson said. “We’ve lost our community. People have lost their homes. School has started and kids are missing their neighbours and playmates on their streets. People have been in mourning and grieving in their various ways but, all in all, I think we’re putting on a brave face and moving forward with a positive outlook.”
Thomson said local contractors stepped up to handle cleanup efforts and tackled what has been a “huge undertaking” over the past two months.
Major repairs have been completed to restore electricity and phone lines in the part of town that was burned, and the last remaining lot is expected to be cleared of debris in the next few weeks.
“Things are moving at a pretty fast pace. It’s remarkable, actually, and we’re very grateful,” Thomson said. “The community really has come together. The local contractors have been amazing.”
Denare Beach and the neighbouring Town of Creighton announced last week that 35 modular homes will be installed this fall to house individuals and families from the area who are in need of interim accommodations over the winter.
The first two replacement homes are set to arrive in October, Thomson added.
“People are making progress and it’s going to be great to see when that first home comes in,” she said.
Thomson noted that 33 of the units will be placed in Creighton, as the fire caused too much damage to water and sewer lines in Denare Beach for the temporary homes to be installed in the village.
“Creighton has been a very close friend and very generous to us, so we’re grateful for them as a partner through this,” said Thomson, adding that steps forward have been received positively in Denare Beach but there is still much more work to do before it feels the same again.
“It is going to take some time. We’re just looking forward to getting the community back, reuniting and having the community as one again.”
