The County Continues its Wildfire Recovery Efforts

Our efforts to support Lac Ste. Anne County residents who were affected by the recent wildfires is ongoing. The County is actively sourcing any funding streams that may support recovery and reclamation.

As you may or may not be aware, the 560 and 553 Lessard Lake Estates wildfires remain active. Because of this, the County continues to be in a STATE OF LOCAL EMERGENCY until further notice. This means that cost recovery processes will take considerable time and effort to orchestrate once the fires are deemed extinguished. How the process will unfold for the County to recover the costs remains unknown, however, the County continues to lobby the Provincial Government in all aspects of recovery including funding. Your voice is valuable, and as such the County encourages you to lobby your local MLA and the Province for wildfire recovery assistance.

As an agricultural producer if you were impacted in any way by wildfires, Lac Ste. Anne County has been made aware of some potential funding opportunities that may assist in your recovery.

Visit Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies at albertaagsocieties.ca to access the following funding streams:

• Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies (AAAS) Alberta Fire Relief 2023
  Deadline is June 15, 2023 – no exceptions

Eligible recipients include any agricultural producers with an operation located in an area of an emergency evacuation or disaster declaration made by the Alberta Government.

This relief funding allows individuals to nominate themselves or others by providing: name, address, email address, and phone number. Simply follow the prompts and submit your application online.

• Agricultural Societies Wildfire Fund
  Deadline is June 15, 2023 – no exceptions

This is emergency aid funding to support dedicated agricultural society members who have incurred expenses while assisting their communities during the 2023 Alberta wildfires.

In completing the online application, you will be asked to provide the following: Agricultural Society name and address, your name, your email address and phone number, expenses incurred, and an explanation of how the Society helped out during the wildfires. Simply follow the prompts and submit your application.

Visit the Alberta Government Website at alberta.ca/emergency.aspx for the following supports:

• Livestock producers can call 310-LAND (5263)to be connected with a local agrologist to discuss grazing options during this emergency situation. They are accepting applications for temporary grazing on vacant public lands.
• For wildfire emergency updates on the spring 2023 wildfire evacuations, financial assistance and other information related to this event.

How can we help?

Should you require assistance in these applications, please contact or visit the County Administration Office at 780.785.3411 or toll-free 1.866.880.5722. We will provide staff to assist you in the completion of these forms. Alternatively, visit your local library to access internet-enabled computers for public use.

Lac Ste. Anne County restates the first step you must take is to speak with your insurance company to access any coverage you have in place. As recommended, please proceed with the immediate actions you deem necessary to resume near-normal agricultural practices. Keep your receipts and track your expenses and time; in the event that additional cost recovery becomes available.

Should your insurance provider or other entity require a statement confirming that your property was impacted by the wildfires, the County can provide this upon request.

Stay tuned to LSAC.ca for updates as we learn more information on funding avenues for wildfire recovery.