Temporary homes in Denare Beach, Creighton provide much-needed relief: Councillor

Temporary modular housing units have made their way to Creighton and Denare Beach.

The temporary homes were delivered by the Government of Saskatchewan to provide shelter to people in those communities who lost their homes in the devastating Wolf Fire during the summer.

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Karen Thompson, a councillor in Denare Beach, said it’s great timing, as the area has already seen its first snowfall of the season.

“It’s a very critical part of everybody’s well being,” Thompson told 980 CJME.

“(It’s crucial) that those who have not secured appropriate housing have that place for winter where they can rest assured that those needs are being taken care of and they can move forward with their future plan.”

Thompson said the one-bedroom Black Diamond Group modular homes arrived around the end of September. In Denare Beach, she said utilities are being connected and tenants are going over their lease agreements and receiving their keys.

“Kudos to all the contractors and the people that have worked towards this moment in time for us. We are very appreciative,” Thompson said.

“It’s been a fast-moving endeavor, and we are making such progress – progress that nobody could have ever expected – so I’m quite proud of the community and happy that things are progressing in such a positive way.”

The Wolf Fire destroyed hundreds of structures in the two communities, but Thompson said Denare Beach is making a strong recovery.

“I’m happy to report that most of the lots are pretty much all cleaned up. That phase of our recovery is pretty much completed,” she said.

Thompson said she hopes Denare Beach will soon be able to return more properties back to their owners.

“We’ve been at this only a little over four months, and the cleanup is pretty much completed,” she said.

“We’re working on the landfill – that’s another phase in the recovery process. Now we’re going to move on and focus on the community wellness aspects of it, and that will entail Canadian Red Cross.”

Thompson said she appreciates how quickly the provincial government moved to get the temporary homes into the two communities.

According to the provincial government, there are currently 26 housing units in Denare Beach with five more expected to arrive in the coming weeks.

“Denare Beach has shown strength and resilience as their community works through recovery efforts,” Tim McLeod, Saskatchewan’s public safety minister, said in a statement.

“This is one of many challenges that the village and their residents have overcome and is a milestone to celebrate.”