Following the evacuation order of Hay River and K谩t艂SA国际影视传媒檕deeche First Nation late Wednesday, May 11, the City of Yellowknife has opened the doors of its multiplex to help community members find some peace among the chaos.
The scene was an emotional one at the Multiplex as some flood affected individuals could be seen in tears regarding the current situation.
SA国际影视传媒淎t 2 a.m., we knew that there were about 700 vehicles that had mobilized in Enterprise,SA国际影视传媒� city manager Sheilla Bassi-Kellet said.
SA国际影视传媒淎s residents in Hay River and K谩t艂SA国际影视传媒檕deeche First Nation endure historic flooding that is wreaking havoc on lives and property, the City is here to support you in your time of need,SA国际影视传媒� Yellowknife mayor Rebecca Alty said.
RELATED REPORTING: Hay River, KSA国际影视传媒檃tlodeeche ordered to evacuate
The Multiplex received a quick turn around to help assist those coming in from Hay River and KSA国际影视传媒檃tlodeeche First Nation, as staff were on the ground at 3 a.m., according to Arlene Lavoie-Stobbs, territorial director of child, family, and community wellness
SA国际影视传媒淲e mobilized around midnight, calling, figuring out a plan,SA国际影视传媒� she said.
As of now, staff now have the Multiplex set up to include a bed area in the rink, a food distribution area in the DND gym, and a registration station for evacuee
Individuals heading into the main entrance way are to provide necessary information at the station, where-in the Yellowknife Region of the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority will use the information to help inform people as to what the situation is like in their particular area of Hay River.
Plus, the information will also determine whether evacuees will stay at the Multiplex or if they have another option in Yellowknife that they can utilize.
Those that do stay will have food (apples, oranges, bananas) and water provided for them with assistance from the City.
SA国际影视传媒淪o thereSA国际影视传媒檚 food, snacks, all the meals will be taken care of,SA国际影视传媒� Lavoie-Stobbs said. SA国际影视传媒淒rinks. Everything.SA国际影视传媒�
As well, children and youth will also be supported at the Multiplex with the help of a mental health team.
SA国际影视传媒淛ust engaging through this hard time,SA国际影视传媒� she continued.
As to the amount of people that have been choosing the Multiplex option, Lavoie-Stobbs said that theySA国际影视传媒檙e expecting around SA国际影视传媒渉alf-and-halfSA国际影视传媒� of the estimated 4,000 people coming in.
At 1:00 p.m., there were SA国际影视传媒渁pproximately 130 evacuees from Hay River and K谩t艂SA国际影视传媒檕deeche who have arrived and registered at the multiplex,SA国际影视传媒� according to Bassi-Kellet.
Currently, the Multiplex has up to 350 cots, with the capacity to go over to the Fieldhouse should it be required.
The Community Arena in Yellowknife was also one of the locations that was being looked into to help provide support for incoming residents. For now though, the situation is being assessed.
Discussions regarding the CitySA国际影视传媒檚 assistance for those affected by the flood were brought forward during City CouncilSA国际影视传媒檚 meeting on May 9.
City manager Sheila Bassi-Kellet had said that the Government of the Northwest Territories had re-approached them the same day (having initially discussed flood related safety protocols in mid-April) to talk about possibly assisting citizens in should Hay River evacuation be announced.
Now a reality, the City has closed the multiplex to the public until further notice as it provides shelter and food for those that choose to stay in the building.
For those affected by the flood that are unable to make their way into the facility to register, they can reach out to 1 (833) 699-0188 for assistance.
The City is working with several Government of the Northwest Territories departments through the North Slave Emergency Measures Organization in responding to the need to provide immediate shelter for evacuees arriving in our community.
Please text 867-446-6527 if you need help.
