PBCN updates progress on new homes for Denare Beach evacuees

Construction of replacement homes for members of Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation (PBCN), who were displaced from Denare Beach, is moving ahead on schedule, with four units now complete or near completion and 20 homes framed within six months of the wildfire.

That’s according to a news release issued Tuesday night by PBCN.

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Earlier that day, Chief Peter Beatty, Vice-Chief Justin Halcrow, Councillor Clayton Sewap and Housing Director Gerald Hyman toured the new units at the Prince Albert Co-op Home Centre to assess progress and timelines for delivery.

Councillor Sewap of PBCN’s community of Denare Beach said the fast-paced construction reflects strong co-ordination between contractors, the housing department and leadership.

“Within six months, we’ve got all 24 houses framed, and two are basically ready to move,” he said. “I’m very pleased with the progress. I’m happy with our contractors, our housing director Gerald Hyman, and the support from Chief and Council.

Without the teamwork, we wouldn’t have been able to move these houses within six months.”

He said the Nation intentionally avoided assigning homes to families during construction to maintain fairness.

“We just told the contractor to build the houses. We didn’t provide names or ask for any house to be built first, so there wouldn’t be any conflict or preferential treatment,” said Councillor Sewap.

Chief Peter Beatty confirmed two homes are fully complete and ready for transport once foundations and pony walls in Denare Beach are finished.

“These homes are beautiful, and they’re ready to move as soon as everything is lined up,” he said. “The team in Denare Beach is working hard to complete the foundations. It’s coming along really well.”

Delivery of the first homes is expected to begin within the next 10 days, depending on weather and contractor scheduling.

The remaining units will be moved throughout the winter.

“Everything should be moved by January or February,” Beatty said. “Units will be delivered every few weeks until all of them are in place.”

Councillor Sewap said he expects members to be pleased with the quality of the new homes.

“These houses are absolutely beautiful. The open floor plans and good-sized bedrooms will make a big difference for families,” he said. “I think members will be ecstatic when they see their houses roll into Denare Beach.”

Chief Beatty thanked displaced members for their patience as rebuilding continues.

“It has been very difficult for families to wait this long, but we now have real progress and real hope,” he said. “Everyone who lost a house will receive a new home, and we are looking forward to helping families rebuild their lives in Denare Beach.”

PBCN promised to provide further updates as construction and delivery continue.