The Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership (GPREP) continues working with partners to support wildfire evacuees by providing access to supports for people and pets evacuating from the South Slave region and Yellowknife. 

Although Grande Prairie is at capacity and no longer accepting evacuees, GPREP has registered 2157 evacuees and approximately 239 pets from the Northwest Territories since activating on August 13, 2023. GPREP is currently supplying 761 hotel rooms to 1273 evacuees at 26 different hotels and four campgrounds since activation. 

“GPREP would like to recognize all the businesses, community partners, organizations and citizens that have supported our efforts of helping Northwest Territories evacuees,” said Incident Commander Darryl Martin. “The situation is constantly evolving and we appreciate everybody’s flexibility and helpfulness while GPREP responds to evacuee needs.” 

“The City would like to sincerely thank the numerous community partners that have provided supports to evacuees during their time in Grande Prairie,” said Mayor Jackie Clayton. “Businesses and residents in our region have also generously stepped up and shown our inclusive and caring community spirit though donations and opening their homes to our northern neighbours.” 

“We are pleased to be able to offer our neighbours to the north a place to land and a warm welcome during their time of need,” said County of Grande Prairie Reeve Bob Marshall. “With many County residents evacuated from their homes during the Dunes West Wildfire just a few months ago, we understand how important it is that communities can open their doors and offer resources and support when needed.” 

GPREP has provided all Grande Prairie registered evacuees access to accommodations, meals, city transit, transportation to meals, recreation services, laundry services, information where needed and linking evacuees to provincial resources (through the governments of Alberta and Northwest Territories).  

The Friendship Centre and Alberta Health Services (AHS) continue to be vital partners during this activation, supporting evacuees by providing essential mental health services, programs and cultural services.