Mayor Scott, community reflects on 5-year anniversary of 2016 wildfire

Mayor Don Scott reflects on the upcoming 5-year anniversary of the 2016 wildfire with a message of gratitude and resiliency.

Gratitude for Support

“Reflecting on the last five years, I see a story about how we came together during trying times—with support from partners in industry, rural and Indigenous communities and friends here at home and across the province, country and around the world.

We owe tremendous appreciation to all those who supported us in the early days and throughout our recovery including the Government of Alberta, as well as the partners and organizations such as the Canadian Red Cross, our social profit sector and many others, who were there for our residents on their path to recovery from the costliest natural disaster in Canadian history.

As a region, we will always be indebted to our incredible Regional Emergency Services team, municipal staff, residents and community leaders that stepped up during response and then recovery when their neighbours needed them most. That sense of gratitude remains strong to this day.

We must also hold in our hearts the memory of the two young people that passed away tragically in the days following the initial event. The importance of family, friends and community must never be lost on us. Now more than ever.

We know this time of year can be difficult and many of us will be experiencing a spectrum of emotions. Please know the community is here for you and that mental health and other supports are in place if you need someone to talk to.” 

Resilience and Community Spirit

“Much has been said about the strength and resilience of our residents in the last five years. This community has always been generous and giving, but in many ways our spirit and pride has deepened during these challenging times. We look out for each other and help whenever we can. Neighbours are there for each other in times of need and our region is recognized for it.

It has only improved our region’s resilience that we have successfully delivered on all the recommendations outlined in the lessons learned from the 2016 wildfire. As a Municipality we will build on this work and continue to champion and invest in programs, projects and initiatives that make our neighbourhoods safer and stronger.    

Again, feelings around this anniversary vary from person to person and are different for everyone. Successive challenges have taken their toll. For many people, the last five years have not been easy; but we have rallied together, supported and advocated for each other and, in the process, we have become stronger, together.”

Looking to the future

“We’ve weathered some incredible times in this region: periods of explosive growth, economic ups and downs, and moments of great challenge and loss. Some of these challenges continue today. But our collective spirit remains and, together, we keep moving forward, working to build even better communities to call home and a place of which future generations can be proud."