New easy access corridor highlights Sask. Crown sector Northern wildfire response

In response, Harrison said SaskPower, SaskTel, SGI, and the Ministry of Highways are working collaboratively to establish a dedicated high-clearance corridor in the area to reduce the need for powerline lifts for taller loads, helping recovery crews and builders get to the area quicker. The corridor will also help support economic development in the area and is expected to be completed later this month.

“I am proud to see our Crown corporations find innovative ways and take meaningful action to support our northern communities,” Harrison said.

Permits will still be required to transport large structures through the new corridor.

Additionally, SaskPower is installing new service boxes on all properties affected by wildfires. During the emergency, the energy giant deployed 114 staff and contractors to the affected areas to assist with both the initial response and the longer-term restoration effort. Crews repaired or replaced at least 300 power poles, along with numerous other types of equipment.

Other Crown corporations also stood alongside the affected communities and lent a hand in any way they could, including:

SGI CANADA:

Helped insured customers by sending cash advances through e-transfer to support displaced customers
Partnered with Wildfire Defense Systems (WDS) to offer wildfire protection services to affected insured customers, bringing WDS to communities in need and deploying crews to areas under immediate threat of wildfire. WDS crews set up preventative measures to protect properties, helping those forced to evacuate their homes and businesses
Allowed customers to delay paying their deductible on evacuation claims, so they could use their money to address more immediate needs such as lodging and essentials

SGI (Auto Fund):

Offered flexible payment options for deductibles and expeditated total loss settlements for those affected by wildfires
Waived all fees for reprinting and expediting driver’s licences and/or ID cards for people who were evacuated due to wildfires
Made exemptions to driving rules, allowing people to safely leave their communities when an evacuation was ordered

SaskTel:

Automatically waived data overage fees and crediting customers for their SaskTel Internet, MaxTV Stream, and Home Phone services while their communities were evacuated
Continues to waive fees for reconnecting wired service (home phones, internet, TV) in replacement housing in Denare Beach, Creighton and other affected areas
Estimated that the relief measures saved customers about $315,000 from their monthly bills while they were evacuated from their homes

SaskEnergy:

Maintained and closely monitored natural gas service to La Ronge to help ensure that critical infrastructure and emergency services could continue to operate with natural gas serving as a potential backstop for power generation within the community

SaskWater:
Operations

Provided additional Operations staff to be on site at the La Ronge water treatment plant to ensure water systems were maintained to residents and firefighters 24/7 for the duration of the fires
Supported communities by ensuring booster stations, truck fill stations, and other important local water infrastructure were maintained
Provided community support with sprinklers and water coverage over critical infrastructure where possible in the region

Northern Engineering

Provided infrastructure and damage assessment support in Denare Beach
Provided project management for water and sewer related infrastructure where needed
The Government of Saskatchewan recognizes the hardship caused by northern wildfires this season to residents and communities. Saskatchewan’s Crown corporations are committed to working with everyone impacted to address their individual needs

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panews@pattisonmedia.com

by paNOW Staff

New easy access corridor highlights Sask. Crown sector Northern wildfire response

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