Crisis & Recovery Message from the Reeve
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE | MESSAGE FROM THE REEVE
As a long-time resident, Council member and Reeve of Lesser Slave River, I have seen a great many things. But I have never before experienced anything to rival the fear, dread and utter devastation that the wildfires of spring 2011 brought to our region.
Ironically, one of my darkest hours as Reeve was also one of my proudest moments. I saw my fellow Councillors and municipal employees work side by side and do their utmost to provide for the safety and comfort of our residents. I saw communities from across the province open their arms to our evacuees and help us douse the flames. I was witness to the best the human spirit has to offer.
Our collective community has been through a great deal in recent months. We've endured wildfires and flooding, and our families and neighbours have faced heartbreaking hardship and staggering losses. Despite these blows, however, we have displayed resiliency, strength, and a positive outlook for which we have become known. We are indeed a "rugged and real" people who have not only weathered the storm, but continue to thrive in our families, our businesses and our communities at large.
As I look back, I have a heart full of gratitude and respect for the tireless efforts of everyone involved in our rescue. And as I look forward, I have no doubt in our ability to recover.
Reeve Denny Garratt
THE SECOND WAVE
Just as momentum was gathering on recovery from the wildfires, a second disaster struck. Days of heavy rainfall led to severe flooding in the area, adding to the workload and compounding the frustration of residents.
MEANINGFUL GESTURES
Whether motivated by duty or led by their own moral compass, a variety of official and homemade heroes stepped in to help the citizens of Lesser Slave River douse the flames and begin to heal. These are their stories.
A MESSAGE OF HOPE
On November 22, 2011, Reeve Denny Garratt was invited to share Lesser Slave River's story of crisis and recovery with fellow elected officials at the AAMDC Convention in Edmonton. This is what he told a packed auditorium.
FIRE WEATHER INDEX
CRISIS PRESENTATION
View an immersive presentation on the spring 2011 wildfires.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
Listen to the personal accounts of those who weathered the fires.
Angeline, Safety Coordinator
Judy, Finance Administrator
Karen, Resident
INTERACTIVE MAP
Discover where the wildfires began and how they spread
