Brittany Holmgren has spent her entire life in her hometown of Denare Beach, where she has cherished outdoor activities, secured her first job, and started a family. Unfortunately, a devastating wildfire swept through the village in June, destroying Holmgren’s home and workplace. Recalling the aftermath, Holmgren described the heart-wrenching scenes of people rummaging through their burnt homes and the damage to her car from the intense heat.
Following the fire that ravaged half of the community of 700 residents, Holmgren and her two young daughters sought refuge with her mother in nearby Flin Flon, Manitoba, while her dogs remained in a camper in Denare Beach due to accommodation constraints. The village’s tight-knit community has been resilient in the face of the disaster, with many individuals like Jennifer Hysert also grappling with the loss of their homes and businesses.
Denare Beach, nestled in the picturesque Canadian Shield and renowned for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities, attracts tourists during the summer months. However, for the residents facing displacement, finding new housing has been challenging as rental prices have surged post-disaster. Hysert, like many others, highlighted the difficulties in securing suitable accommodation for families in the wake of the tragedy.
Acknowledging the rising costs of living post-wildfire, village councillor Karen Thomson expressed concerns about the financial strain on residents. The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency has initiated efforts to provide temporary housing solutions for displaced individuals, with rental rates starting at $680 per month for individual units. Despite these initiatives, some residents, including Holmgren, have reservations about the suitability of the temporary trailers provided and the limited options available.
As the community looks towards recovery, Thomson stressed the importance of financial support to mitigate the anticipated decline in tax and utility revenues. The unexpected visit by Premier Scott Moe to discuss post-fire recovery efforts left local officials feeling unprepared for substantive discussions, amid criticism over the government’s response to the wildfire crisis. Residents like Hysert are demanding accountability for the perceived negligence in fire response, while Thomson remains optimistic about the village’s rebuilding prospects despite the challenges faced during the calamity.