Saskatchewan is investing $20 million to support communities and individuals affected by this year’s destructive wildfire season, the province announced Monday.
The funding, which will be administered through the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA), is intended to kickstart recovery work in communities that were devastated by the fires. A dedicated Recovery Task Team (RTT) has been established to coordinate the effort.
Led by the SPSA, the task team includes representatives from the Ministries of Government Relations, Social Services, and Environment, as well as Crown corporations. The team has conducted a preliminary needs assessment with impacted communities, including Denare Beach and East Trout Lake.
The assessment identified debris removal and site clean-up as immediate priorities to allow rebuilding to begin.
“We know that the road to recovery begins with clearing the way to prepare for rebuilding,” said Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod, K.C. “This funding is about safely rebuilding lives and supporting our communities every step of the way. I would like to thank the community leaders and the Recovery Task Team who have put in countless hours the last few weeks to start the recovery process together.”
The province has outlined three key areas where the $20 million will be allocated:
- Debris removal and environmental testing.
- Creating, expanding, or maintaining landfills near affected communities.
- Project management support for local recovery efforts.
Most of the funding will be delivered through the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program (PDAP). Where PDAP does not fully address the needs of a community, additional support will be provided.
Eligible recipients include individuals and communities who experienced losses between May 29 and June 26, 2025, during the provincial emergency declaration period, or who were under a local state of emergency at the time of their loss.
The province noted that the funding is not intended to cover environmental testing or clean-up already covered by insurance. Residents and businesses are encouraged to contact their insurers if they have not already done so.