By: Nicole Goldsworthy, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, SaskToday.ca
CREIGHTON, DENARE BEACH — Families in Creighton and Denare Beach who lost their homes to wildfire this summer will soon move into temporary mobile housing.
A total of 25 Black Diamond mobile homes — 23 in Creighton and two in Denare Beach — are being transported from Alberta. The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) is covering the cost to transport the mobile units, said Karen Thomson, councillor for the Northern Village of Denare Beach.
Thomson confirmed that the communities are ready to receive the units. Lots have been levelled, and water, sewer and power connections are prepared. Only final hookups remain before families can move in. Families will be responsible for utilities and will sign lease agreements according to Thompson.
For residents who lost their homes, the arrival of temporary units means peace of mind. “The burden of finding housing before winter has been lifted,” said Thomson. “This will allow residents the space and time they need to move forward with their plans.”
In a news release issued on Sept. 12 from the Saskatchewan government, a spokesperson from SPSA said, “It was identified that the plan included placing up to 35 temporary modular homes within the communities of Creighton and Denare Beach, which will support displaced individuals and families to remain near their community and access local services and supports during their recovery.
“There are currently 25 housing units in the community with an additional six units arriving over the next few weeks. The total number of housing units required is based on resident need, and the Recovery Task Team continues to work with the Village of Denare Beach to ensure all residents requiring interim housing are supported.”
Thomson said the Wolf Fire destroyed more than 200 homes this summer, with the final tally believed to be 245. Cleanup efforts are nearly complete, thanks to the work of local contractors. Certificates for property owners are being prepared, and discussions continue with the province on financial assistance, including landfill expansion for Denare Beach.
“Our hearts are broken and we stand by our residents who have endured such tragic loss,” said Thomson. “We will continue to move the rebuilding of our community forward and reunite the residents of Denare Beach once again. It truly takes a village.”
Community leaders from Denare Beach, Creighton and the SPSA Recovery Task Team (RTT) recently held an information session to update residents. The RTT, made up of the SPSA and representatives from multiple ministries, will oversee the temporary housing program.
“The recent information session allowed residents of both communities to learn about the temporary housing plan,” Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod said in a statement.
Creighton Mayor Bruce Fidler said his town is proud to support its neighbours. “It is very important to us to support temporary housing for displaced individuals and families as they work to rebuild and recover.”
Despite the devastation, community leaders say resilience and determination remain strong. Thomson expressed gratitude to the local firefighters who defended Denare Beach at great personal cost.
“They fought valiantly, even knowing that for many of them their own homes were lost,” she said. “Our hearts are broken and we stand by our residents who have endured such tragic loss. We will continue to move the rebuilding of our community forward and reunite the residents of Denare Beach once again and welcome you home. It truly takes a village.”
The temporary homes are expected to be available to residents in October.