May 30, 2025 | 2:30 PM
The below statement from Mayor Alanna Hnatiw is in response to the wildfire near Redwater Provincial Recreation Area in Sturgeon County.
Nearly a month has passed since our community entered into a State of Local Emergency due to the Redwater Recreation Area fire. While it’s heartening to have the fire situation under control, the loss we have experienced is profound. Over three thousand hectares of land—including homes, recreational spaces and more—are now reduced to ash and smouldering ground.
More critically, some of our neighbours have lost homes, while others are in the thick of working through insurance to rebuild damaged sheds, livestock fences, pastures and more. Some are grieving the loss of pets and livestock, and those are simply irreplaceable. To those families, please know you are not alone. The entire community stands with you. We’ll continue to do everything we can to ensure you have the support you need to recover.
On behalf of Council, I offer my deepest gratitude to all the brave individuals who stepped forward in our time of greatest need—from firefighters to first responders to emergency crews and many others. You worked tirelessly, often at great personal risk, to contain the flames and protect lives and homes. Your heroic efforts will never be forgotten.
I also want to thank our many partners who lent equipment, personnel and resources without hesitation. In the midst of this disaster, we saw the very best of humanity shining through—with compassion, cooperation and solidarity.
As we look ahead, the road to recovery will be a long one. We ask the larger community to respect the fragility of the Redwater Recreation Area and give it the time needed as it remains closed for the recovery and renewal ahead.
With gratitude and hope,
Mayor Alanna Hnatiw
