Businesses in Waskesiu, Saskatchewan, are suffering significant losses after a Parks Canada wildfire pre-emergency alert for smoke was widely misinterpreted as an evacuation order, causing many visitors to leave the lakeside resort community despite no immediate fire threat. Local business owners report a sharp drop in customers, likening the area to a 'ghost town' during what should be their busiest season.
'It's like a ghost town': Waskesiu businesses take hit after wildfire pre-emergency alert
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Businesses in Waskesiu, Saskatchewan, are suffering significant losses after a Parks Canada wildfire pre-emergency alert for smoke was widely misinterpreted as an evacuation order, causing many visitors to leave the lakeside resort community despite no immediate fire threat. Local business owners report a sharp drop in customers, likening the area to a 'ghost town' during what should be their busiest season.
Trending- 1 Sunday evening: Parks Canada issued a wildfire pre-emergency alert due to the Buhl Fire.
- 2 Monday morning: Many visitors packed up and left Waskesiu.
- 3 Monday afternoon: Smoke conditions worsened in Waskesiu.
- 4 Early Tuesday morning: Jason Carroll observed conditions in Waskesiu.
- 5 July 3-15: Period for which refunds will be processed for eligible Beauval residents who purchased mail forwarding.
- 6 July 5: Registration deadline for mail forwarding for residents of Creighton, Pelican Narrows, Sandy Bay, Southend, and Weyakwin.
- 7 July 11: Registration deadline for mail forwarding for residents of Air Ronge, Canoe Narrows, Denare Beach, Deschambault Lake, La Ronge, and Timber Bay.
- 8 Aug. 15: Deadline for Beauval residents to register for free mail forwarding.
- Significant financial losses for businesses in Waskesiu due to reduced tourism
- Confusion and panic among the public regarding wildfire alerts
- Need for clearer communication from authorities like Parks Canada
- Evacuation of Beauval and other communities due to nearby fires
- Canada Post offering free mail forwarding for affected residents
What: Businesses in Waskesiu, Saskatchewan, are experiencing a sharp drop in visitors and revenue due to public misinterpretation of a wildfire pre-emergency alert as an evacuation order.
When: Sunday evening (Parks Canada alert issued); Monday morning (visitors left); early Tuesday morning (Jason Carroll's observation); July (busiest time of year for businesses).
Where: Waskesiu, Saskatchewan, Prince Albert National Park, Buhl Fire (40 km from Waskesiu), Prince Albert, Saskatoon, Beauval (fully evacuated), Creighton, Pelican Narrows, Sandy Bay, Southend, Weyakwin, Air Ronge, Canoe Narrows, Denare Beach, Deschambault Lake, La Ronge, Timber Bay (other affected communities).
Why: Parks Canada issued a pre-emergency alert due to deteriorating air quality and visibility from smoke, which many people misunderstood as a fire evacuation notice, causing panic and leading visitors to leave the area prematurely.
How: Parks Canada issued the alert. Business owners like Erin Barber and Jason Carroll observed a significant decline in customers and revenue. Canada Post offered free mail forwarding for evacuated residents of Beauval and other communities.