Brittany Holmgren, a lifelong resident of Denare Beach, Saskatchewan, experienced a devastating loss when a wildfire ravaged her village earlier this year. The 33-year-old mother recounted the destruction of her home and workplace, leaving her and her two daughters displaced. The tight-knit community of 700 residents has been reeling from the aftermath of the fire, which consumed half of the village.
Holmgren and her daughters found temporary shelter with her mother in Flin Flon, Manitoba, while her dogs remained in a camper in Denare Beach. The process of finding new accommodations in the village has been challenging, with rental prices surging post-disaster.
Another resident, Jennifer Hysert, shared a similar plight, having lost her home and business in the fire. While the community has rallied to clean up and rebuild, some individuals have taken advantage of the situation by inflating prices for essential goods and services.
In response to the housing crisis, the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency has started setting up temporary trailers in Denare Beach and nearby Creighton to accommodate displaced residents. However, some residents like Holmgren are hesitant about the temporary housing options due to limited availability and layout configurations.
Village councillor Karen Thomson acknowledged the financial strain on the community and emphasized the need for support following the wildfire. Despite the challenges faced by Denare Beach, residents remain resilient and hopeful for a successful rebuilding process.
The provincial government, criticized for its response to the wildfire, has faced demands for accountability from affected residents like Hysert. Despite the difficulties endured during the summer, Thomson expressed optimism about the village’s future and the eventual return of families to Denare Beach.