May 7, 2023

More than 1,500 people evacuated due to the wildfires threatening Drayton Valley and Brazeau County have registered at the Edmonton Expo Centre (7515 118 Avenue). The City of Edmonton Reception Centre provides temporary lodging, food services, clothing, health care and animal care for people evacuated. 

For people evacuated requiring support services, or who are able to report to the Reception Centre, on-site registration is available. Anyone not able to access the Reception Centre can register online at emergencyregistration.alberta.ca. Registration ensures anyone evacuated receives situational updates and information on available services. 

Canadian Red Cross in Alberta and several insurance companies are at the Reception Centre providing support services. Alberta Health Services is onsite with mental health services and a prescribing pharmacist. The City’s Animal Care and Control Centre is providing temporary daytime care of pets. About 1,300 pets have been registered at the Reception Centre.

Pet food and supplies can be picked up at the Edmonton Humane Society, 13620 163 Street NW, between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., seven days a week. Anyone wanting to donate pet food and pet supplies to evacuees is encouraged to drop these items at the Humane Society.  

The Jamie Platz Family YMCA (7121 178 St NW) and Castle Downs Family YMCA (11510 153 Ave NW) are offering free access to showers and recreation facilities to anyone evacuated. 

Registered evacuees can access shower facilities at the Commonwealth Recreation Centre. An ETS shuttle bus is available from the Expo Centre during select hours. 

Donations are not being accepted at the Reception Centre at this time. The City’s Emergency Support Response Team provides all the supplies immediately needed. Information will be provided when donation locations are confirmed.

Residents are being warned of fraudulent texts which are targeting individuals impacted by the wildfires. These texts are asking for personal information to access services or financial support. Residents are advised to only provide information in-person at the Reception Centre or through the provincial online registration system at emergencyregistration.alberta.ca. 

The Reception Centre will not be open to the media as it is personal space for evacuees. Media are asked to gather at Entrance Five on the east end of the Edmonton Expo Centre, as communications staff are onsite to provide direction.

For more information:

Media contact: 

Communications and Engagement

587-988-5095