Fort McMurray fire evacuation centres slowing down
CBC News | Posted: May 12, 2016 5:34 PM | Last Updated: May 12, 2016
Many evacuees are staying with friends and family, some locations prepare 'for the long haul'
Many of the 94,000 people forced out of their homes by the fire in Fort McMurray are starting to find longer term places to stay, slowing down demand at government appointed evacuation and reception centres.
Meanwhile universities are preparing to house evacuees for the long haul.
There are 13 official locations that don't include the private efforts of several towns, companies, and families.
- 4,700 registered in Lac La Biche. About 230 people sleep in cots in the Bold Centre.
- 1,400 registered at University of Calgary
- 800 registered at Northlands Centre, about 400 people spending the night
- 500 people registered at St. Paul Centennial recreation centre, but no one staying overnight
- 475 registered at Mount Royal University
- 344 people staying at Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
- 250-300 people get meals and services at the Athabasca Agriplex, no overnight
- 250 in Drayton Valley accessing services, not staying overnight
- 200 people estimated staying with friends/family in Fort Chipewyan
- 138 registered at Smoky Lake complex, but 20-25 use services
- 120 staying at Ambrose University College
- 30 people stay overnight at Beaver Lake Cree Nation Lodge
- Grassland Community Hall closed for overnight stays.
Additionally, 1,000 people are staying at the University of Alberta and 229 rooms at MacEwan University are full with about 680 people registered.
The Calgary Emergency Operations Centre says there were no new registrants on Wednesday.