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23
Jun
2025
2025
PBCN – Denare Beach Update
PBCN – Denare Beach Update
Issued Monday, June 23, 2025
Denare Beach Displacement Response & Recovery Planning Update
Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation (PBCN) leadership and emergency management teams continue to coordinate the recovery and return of members from Denare Beach.
Below is the latest update from our June 23 coordination meeting:
Fire Situation & Repatriation Timeline
- Fire risk in Denare Beach is now very low. The local dump fire is being managed with sprinklers and water access.
- Rainfall (5–7 mm) in the area and cooler temperatures have helped reduce hotspots.
- The Creighton evacuation order was lifted on June 22.
- Residents of Denare Beach and Flin Flon residents may begin returning home on June 25, with the following conditions:
If your home was:
- Not damaged: You may return and remain in your home.
- Damaged: You may visit but must arrange alternative accommodations.
- Destroyed: Do not return until housing is secured through PBCN.
Important Advisory for Early Returnees
- If you are planning to return before June 25, please note that medical facilities, grocery stores, and fuel stations in Denare Beach and Flin Flon will not be open.
- Pharmacy services will not be available until June 25 – please ensure your prescriptions are filled before leaving the city.\
- The only exception is Petro-Canada in Creighton, open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily.
Anyone returning before the official repatriation date is doing so at their own risk. Returning early may result in limited access to essential services and no immediate support from emergency personnel.
Mental Health Support
Mental wellness services are available for Denare Beach residents:
- Creighton Arena: Mental health station with three nurses and a mobile unit
- Prince Albert – Days Inn (Senator Myles Venne Room, Room 102): Ongoing walk-in support
Community Services – Flin Flon
- Flin Flon hospital - basic emergency services are open.
- Full services including x-ray and labs are expected to resume in 1–2 days.
- Petrocan is open, and Walmart, Co-op, and other stores are scheduled to reopen on June 25.
Town Hall Meetings
- Creighton: June 23 at 7:00 PM (Manitoba time)
- Denare Beach: Planned for June 24 at the Denareplex (time to be confirmed)
- Note: Online access is unlikely due to internet disruptions.
Housing & Support for Displaced Members
- Long-term and interim housing options are still being developed for those who lost homes.
- Gas and grocery assistance will be provided to returning members.
- Temporary shelters such as RVs, tents, or mobile homes are not allowed on burned lots due to active cleanup and safety risks.
If you have lost a home, please remain where you are currently located and stay in Saskatoon unless directed otherwise by Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) personnel.
The Red Cross/PBCN will continue to provide you with accommodations.
We understand this is a difficult time, but relocating to another city or leaving without notice may delay the support and services being coordinated for you and your family.
Staying in Saskatoon allows us to:
- Provide meals, supplies, and medical care directly to yo•
- Keep families together in one coordinated are•
- Maintain hotel accommodations
- Plan a safe and timely return home when conditions allow
It is critical that all evacuees register with the PBCN Emergency Registration System — especially if you are staying with friends or family, or require temporary lodging.
Registration ensures we can provide proper supports, resources, and updates.
You can register in one of the following ways:
- Online – Visit pbcn.ca and click the red link titled “Fire Evacuation 2025”
- In Person – Visit a PBCN Emergency Centre in Saskatoon, Prince Albert, or Regina
- With Assistance – Staff at these locations can help you complete the form
This system will track members’ locations and hotel assignments and provide communication by phone, email, and (soon) group text. An AI assistant will help answer calls.
For help with registration, contact Sarah Swan at (306) 632-7286 or Elsie Ballantyne at (306) 220-7818.
Special Invitation from the Saskatchewan Roughriders!
All Denare Beach evacuees are invited to attend the Roughriders game vs. the BC Lions on Saturday, June 28 at 5:00 PM at Mosaic Stadium in Regina.
This is a gesture of support and solidarity during a difficult time, and we encourage members to attend and enjoy the game together.
Transportation will be provided:
- 1 bus from Saskatoon and 1 bus from Prince Albert
Seating is limited. Please register early to secure your spot.
Key Reminders
- Wednesday, June 25: Repatriation date for Denare Beach and Flin Flon
- Mental health support is active in Creighton and Prince Albert
- Grocery and fuel assistance available
- Meat packs for on-reserve families will be ready by the end of July
- Next recovery coordination meeting: Friday, June 27 at 11:00 AM
For the most current updates, please follow the official Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation Facebook page. All evacuation information and return plans will be posted there first.
We thank you for your patience and cooperation.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact Councillor Clayton Sewap at (306) 940-7434.
—Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation Emergency Operations Centre (PBCN-EOC)
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