GOVERNMENT SUPPORTING FLOOD EFFORTS AT CUMBERLAND HOUSE

Released on June 29, 2005

The Saskatchewan Government is taking a co-ordinated approach with its efforts in support of the village of Cumberland House and the Cumberland House Cree First Nation, which is threatened by flooding of the Saskatchewan River. Currently a number of key departments, Crown corporations and agencies are providing assistance.

"We are engaged in a wide range of activities as a provincial government to support the people of Cumberland House and the combined efforts led by the Mayor and Chief of the First Nation to protect their community," Corrections and Public Safety Minister Prebble said.

More than 1,000 residents have been evacuated to Prince Albert. About 170 volunteers, including key government people, remain in the area, primarily building dikes to protect the community infrastructure and to maintain security.

"The provincial response is focused on meeting the basic, immediate needs of all the people who are evacuated. Those basic needs are for shelter, care and safety," Prebble added. "Once the peak flood passes, we will be able to assess damage and shift our focus to disaster assistance support, working closely with the federal government."

The Department of Corrections and Public Safety is responsible for co-ordinating provincial emergency responses, providing advice to communities respecting emergency planning and co-ordinating assistance from across governments as requested by the local authorities. The provincial Emergency Operations Centre has been activated and daily meetings of the Provincial Emergency Management Committee are monitoring and assessing the situation.

The Saskatchewan Watershed Authority is monitoring water levels closely and providing daily forecasts. Rains in Alberta are also being watched closely. The authority is regulating and controlling water flows.

The Department of Highways and Transportation is building up low points on the access road to Cumberland House (Hwy 123).

The Department of Community Resources and Employment is working with local agencies, such as the Red Cross, St. John's Ambulance and Salvation Army, in meeting the needs of the evacuees at the SIAST campus in Prince Albert. The Department is also working with officials from Cumberland House, the Prince Albert Grand Council and with volunteers from the Prince Albert community. At this time, 1,229 residents have registered at the evacuation's reception centre. The two largest groups include 354 people who are staying at SIAST, another 580, who are staying with family and friends in the Prince Albert area, while others have made their own arrangements. The Cumberland Cree First Nation Chief and mayor of Cumberland House have appointed official representatives as liaison officers at the SIAST reception centre to be a link to service providers and also to communicate back to Cumberland House.

Saskatchewan Health, together with Prince Albert Parkland and Kelsey Trail Health Regions, is working with nurses and community leaders to co-ordinate evacuation of high risk individuals and to meet the health needs of the people in Prince Albert.

Saskatchewan Environment has issued a boil water advisory. The Department has provided 20 radios and 35 water pumps and kits. Eighteen Type II wildland firefighters and two additional firefighting crews are available as needed. Aerial reconnaissance and a helicopter have been provided to the village and Reserve as required.

Agriculture and Food has been in contact with local officials to assist in moving cattle to higher ground.

SaskPower has staff and equipment in Cumberland House to monitor the situation in case a power shut-down is required.

SaskTel personnel are also on-site monitoring the situation.

Other departments providing advice and assistance include Saskatchewan Property Management, First Nations and Métis Relations and Justice. Departments and agencies are being brought in as required.

The Minister noted that regular updates will continue until the flood peak has passed.

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For More Information, Contact:

Malcolm French Saskatchewan Watershed Authority Prince Albert Cell: (306) 535-3836	John Cook Environment Prince Albert Cell: (306) 961-2105
Bill Derby Corrections and Public Safety Regina Phone: (306) 787-5883