FORT ST JOHN, B.C. — The city’s communications manager, Ryan Harvey, has provided an update on the Emergency Support Services (ESS) for Fort Nelson residents who evacuated earlier this week.
Harvey says the ESS Reception Centre will be available at the North Peace Arena on Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The communications manager acknowledged that evacuees are in a stressful situation and can receive psychosocial support and counselling services at the arena with Northern Health, Service Canada, and Service BC available on site.
“If they are struggling and need assistance, that assistance is available,” said Harvey
A representative from Wawanesa Insurance was also available Thursday at the arena to answer questions about potential additional coverage.
This week, Harvey says they have had over 60 volunteers and staff on site, including people who just evacuated from Fort Nelson, asking how they could help.
Over 1,000 files have been processed regarding the 1,300 people who entered the city in the first three days of the evacuation.
Harvey says there are currently 3,000 evacuees in the city.
The city advises evacuated residents to renew their benefits based on what day they evacuated.
The ESS renewal process usually takes three days but can be extended up to a week, which allows people to have more stability.
The current renewal process expires on Tuesday, May 21st, and Harvey says they plan to have staff and volunteers back in place that day.
The city announced on Thursday that evacuees can now register or renew their status with the Fort St. John ESS Reception Centre remotely without travelling to the facility.
According to the city’s Facebook page, activities have been available for evacuees throughout the week, such as free swimming at the North Peace Leisure Pool, free drop-ins at Prevail Athletics, Story walks in Toboggan Hill Park and more.
Harvey says people can go to the area to register for services like vouchers for hotels and receive E-transfers for food.
“It’s an opportunity to support those people who have been impacted and provide them with some services,” said Harvey.
He thanked residents who have donated supplies and businesses offering discounts and free activities for evacuees.
“Every time we put out a call, it is answered immediately,” said Harvey
“It seems like a regular occurrence. In the last decade, we’ve had to host other communities and our regional neighbours fairly routinely, but once again, they step forward and open their doors.”
Harvey says if the situation doesn’t improve, another seven-day renewal can be expected.
“It’s great that we can support them here, but I’m sure they want to go home,” said Harvey.
More information on ESS can be found on the city’s website, and regular updates are posted on their Facebook page.
The Dawson Creek Emergency Reception Centre is open on Thursday and will continue to offer support such as lodging, food, supplies, medical needs, and animal services.
On May 13th, more than 400 evacuees had registered with the centre and are sheltering in Dawson Creek.
Mayor Darcy Dober says the number has likely increased since then, accounting for Doig River evacuees.
The mayor says the city continues to offer services to those affected.
“There are many services offered. The whole community is coming together, not just Dawson as a community but the whole region,” said Dober. “Dawson Creek wouldn’t be able to do what we’re doing without Fort St. John’s services.”
In a Facebook post on Thursday, the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality says evacuees who have fully registered and set up referral services, such as food and lodging, should be set up until the renewal date next Tuesday.
Those who have not completed their initial registration or the renewal will need to visit an Emergency Support Services Reception Centre in the community where you are receiving services.
ESS centres are set up in:
- Fort St. John at the North Peace Arena, located at 9805 96th Avenue,
- Dawson Creek at Sudeten Hall, located at 1901 Alaska Highway,
- Chetwynd City Hall at 5400 Hospital Road,
- And the Prince George Exhibition Grounds at 41 Keller Street.
The NRRM says the Sunset Prairie Industry Camp at 4591 Braden Road has space available in single dorm-style rooms with private bathrooms. Also, pet crates and runs are set up outside, and alcohol is permitted.
“If this would suit you, you can proceed directly to the camp and staff will register you for ESS on-site,” read the NRRM’s post.
Evacuees who cannot get themselves to a reception centre and require assistance can contact 250-794-3310 for emergency social service support, such as registration and disbursem*nts. For setting up with the BC Services Card and EFT, call 1-800-387-4258.
