Prince Albert City Hall. (File photo/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Evacuee response

Mayor says city in ‘holding pattern’, Red Cross responsible for housing evacuees

Jun 3, 2025 | 1:18 PM

In over 70 years, the mayor of Prince Albert says he cannot recall a situation as severe.

Bill Powalinsky is referring to the rapidly growing wildfires and the thousands of people being forced to evacuate their homes. Many of them have arrived in Prince Albert to register and require shelter.

In 2015, Sask Polytech was opened up to house evacuees. Powalinsky says direction for decisions like that come from the Red Cross and Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency and so far there’s been no communication.

“One of the things we can’t do is go outside of our lane because it would just create chaos and confusion,” he explained.

In addition to housing, Powalinsky confirmed they are looking at other ways to support the evacuees but nothing has been finalized.

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The Prince Albert Exhibition Centre is the location being used for ALL evacuees. Prince Albert Grand Council is also providing supports at both the Urban Services Center and at Parkland Hall for other evacuees.

Powalinsky confirmed the influx of evacuees creates challenges for the city, but added it helps that the evacuees are arriving at different times. He also acknowledged there has been a tremendous outpouring of support from within the community.

“It takes crisis to pull us together sometimes but you know restaurants have been providing meals and people have been donating clothes and toys,” he said.

The latest figure from the SPSA with respect to total evacuees is over 15,000.

Outside Prince Albert, a number of local communities have also offered space and supports for the evacuees including both Muskoday First Nation and Montreal Lake Cree Nation.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Blue Sky: @nigelmaxwell.bsky.social