$20 million is heading to a number of communities impacted by wildfires in northern Saskatchewan as the provincial government announced a new round of support.
They've also established a dedicated Recovery Task Team (RTT) through the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA), which will lead the province's wildfire recovery efforts.
The RTT comprises representatives from the Ministries of Government Relations, Social Services, and Environment, and Crown Corporations. The group has conducted a preliminary needs assessment alongside communities that were devastated by wildfire, including Denare Beach, East Trout Lake and others. Some of the work needed from that assessment includes debris removal and site clean-up as the top priorities.
"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. "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."
Three priority areas will be the focus of recovery support, with an estimated total cost of $20 million expected to be used on the following areas:
- Debris removal and environmental testing
- Create, expand, or maintain landfills near impacted communities
- Project management support to assist local recovery efforts
The Provincial Disaster Assistance Program (PDAP) will be delivering the majority of this funding, with any amounts not covered receiving additional assistance.
Funds will be provided to communities and individuals who sustained losses during the provincial emergency declaration period, consisting of May 29 to June 26, or who were under a local state of emergency at the time of their loss.
The funding is not intended to cover environmental testing or clean-up already provided by personal or business insurance.