As of Thursday, September 7, the Edmonton Emergency Reception Centre will adjust its operational hours to 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. to reflect a reduced demand for services. On-site supports including food, clothing, Service Canada and health services for registered wildfire evacuees continue to be available. 

All registered evacuees that have needed accommodations have been placed in hotels off-site. Overnight lodging at the EXPO Centre is no longer required and will not be provided. The Canadian Red Cross will continue to be on-site to coordinate off-site lodging as needed.

The Edmonton Emergency Reception Centre has registered 7,432 evacuees since opening on August 18. The Reception Centre, which is operating at the Edmonton EXPO Centre, provides temporary lodging, food, clothing, health care, mental health care, Indigenous support and animal daycare services for Yellowknife residents evacuated due to wildfires.

Additionally, 1,238 pets have been registered at the Reception Centre. Animal Care and Control Centre staff provide on-site daycare for pets and a pop-up off leash park is available outside the Edmonton EXPO Centre for registered evacuees. This pop-up park is not open to other dog owners.

Evacuees should continue to monitor gov.nt.ca for the latest details on re-entry.

Wristbands from the Reception Centre are valid fare on all Edmonton Transit bus and LRT routes as well as on Strathcona County, St. Albert and Leduc Transit. 

Donations of any kind are not being accepted at the Edmonton EXPO Centre. The Edmonton Emergency Reception Centre is not equipped to accept onsite donations. The City’s Emergency Support Response Team provides all the supplies immediately needed. 

Monetary donations can be made through the United Way, Red Cross and Goba Care.

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

The Edmonton Emergency Reception Centre is fully staffed, and does not require volunteers.

For the duration of the response, Hall C will not be open to the media as it is personal space for evacuees. 

Corporate Communications Manager

Strategic Services

City of Edmonton

587-988-5095